Our attitudes play a huge role in how we live our lives and relate to others. The Bible has a lot to say about attitude and perspective. Here are some key Bible verses about having the right attitude:
Philippians 2:5 – Have the Attitude of Christ
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” This verse encourages us to have the same humble, servant-hearted attitude that Jesus had. He put others before himself and obeyed God, even to the point of death. We are called to follow His example by putting aside selfish ambition and considering others’ interests above our own.
Philippians 4:8 – Think on These Things
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Our thought life affects our attitudes. This verse reminds us to dwell on positive, edifying thoughts rather than negative, destructive thoughts.
Proverbs 23:7 – As a Man Thinks
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” This verse teaches that we become what we constantly think about and dwell upon. Our thought patterns affect who we are and how we act. To have a positive attitude, we need to think positive thoughts rather than thoughts of anxiety, anger, or fear.
1 Peter 5:7 – Cast Your Cares on God
“…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Rather than carrying all our worries and burdens, this verse tells us to release them to the Lord. He cares about what concerns us. Letting go of anxieties frees us to have a more positive, hopeful attitude.
Colossians 3:2 – Set Your Mind on Christ
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Setting our focus on Jesus and eternal things gives us a heavenly perspective. This outlook surpasses earthly attitudes like envy, discontentment and pride.
Romans 12:2 – Be Transformed
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” God desires to reshape our thinking and attitudes to align more closely with His perfect will. As we actively pursue His perspective in Scripture, we experience positive change from the inside out.
Proverbs 15:13 – The Joy of a Cheerful Heart
“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” Our attitudes are evident by the expressions on our faces. Choosing joy and cheerfulness creates contagious optimism that uplifts others. But continued sadness crushes our spirit.
Proverbs 17:22 – A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Science affirms that our mental outlook impacts our physical health. A cheerful attitude can actually improve our well-being. But unresolved negativity drains vitality.
Proverbs 16:24 – Pleasant Words
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Our speech reveals our attitudes. Pleasant, uplifting conversation spreads encouragement. But bitter, critical words reveal an unhealthy outlook.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice Always
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” No matter what hardships we face, God desires us to have a joyful attitude as we trust Him. This includes being thankful and praying persistently.
James 1:2-3 – Count It All Joy
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” God uses difficulties to develop perseverance and Christlike maturity in us. We can face troubles with joyful attitudes when we trust God’s good plans.
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” This verse repeats for emphasis. Despite circumstances, we can keep a joyful attitude by focusing on the unchanging Lord. He is always good, faithful and worthy of praise.
Proverbs 17:1 – Better a Dry Morsel with Quietness
“Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.” It’s better to have humble means but be content than to have wealth filled with drama and chaos. True happiness is found in peaceful attitudes, not material abundance.
1 Timothy 6:6 – Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain
“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.” While people strive for wealth, status and possessions, the Bible says true gain comes from living out our faith with satisfaction. Thankful attitudes please God.
Hebrews 13:5 – Be Content
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Craving riches can ruin attitudes of contentment. But God promises He will always be with us to provide what we need. This truth brings freedom from discontentment.
Proverbs 29:23 – A Man’s Pride Brings Him Low
“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.” Pride distorts our attitudes and leads to destruction. But humility pleases God and brings honor in His eyes. He lifts up those with humble spirits.
Romans 12:3 – Do Not Think Too Highly of Yourself
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” We are tempted to have inflated opinions of ourselves. But God desires us to have realistic, humble attitudes about our abilities and roles.
Ephesians 4:2 – Walk in Humility
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…” We are called to walk in gentleness and patience with others, setting aside pride. This fosters unity and love in the church.
Proverbs 16:32 – Slow to Anger
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Controlling our temper is a mark of real strength and leadership. Gentle, patient attitudes defuse rage and conflicts.
Ephesians 4:26 – Do Not Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger…” Though anger is a natural emotion, unchecked rage leads to sin. We must release our anger quickly, restoring peace to relationships and our own souls.
Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” We can diffuse tense confrontations and avoid escalating conflicts by replying gently and respectfully. Warm attitudes break down walls.
Colossians 3:12-14 – Clothe Yourselves with Tender-heartedness
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and…forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” God desires us to “put on” attitudes of compassion, forgiveness, patience and love. This creates relational peace.
Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety Weighs Down the Heart
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Feeling chronically worried, stressed and fearful burdens our minds. But words of encouragement lift our outlook and empower us to persevere.
Psalm 42:5 – Put Your Hope in God
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.” During times of emotional turmoil and discouragement, we can redirect our focus towards praise and hope in God. This lifts and stabilizes our attitudes.
Isaiah 26:3 – Perfect Peace
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Staying our thoughts on the Lord brings an internal calm and stability. Despite external chaos, relying on Him produces perfect peace as we trust in His sovereignty.
Joshua 1:9 – Be Strong and Courageous
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” During times of fear and uncertainty, God charges us to have confident, steadfast attitudes. His presence goes with us wherever we are.
Psalm 73:26 – God Is the Strength of My Heart
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Human strength and emotions waver. But our eternal God remains strong, steadfast and faithful. He empowers us to face each day with courage and hope.
2 Timothy 1:7 – A Sound Mind
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Though anxiety tries to paralyze us, God provides strength, love and calm soundness of mind. His Spirit renews our attitudes.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Rather than relying on limited human logic, God calls us to fully trust in His perfect plans and purposes. He promises to guide us rightly as we commit our attitudes to Him.
The Bible clearly shows that our mindsets and outlooks deeply impact how we live. Thankfully, Scripture provides godly guidance and wisdom for transforming our attitudes. As we meditate on these powerful verses, ask God to renew our minds and conform our thoughts to His truth. His strength and peace in our hearts will overflow into our outward attitudes and actions.