What does the Bible say

What Does the Bible Say About Entertainment?

The Bible does not address movies or games, but it gives clear guidance for what we take in: to set no worthless thing before our eyes, to dwell on what is pure and good, and to do everything for God's glory. Entertainment can refresh and even bless us, and Scripture calls us to enjoy it with discernment rather than letting it shape us unaware.

What Scripture says

Here are real verses on entertainment, each in the King James Version, with a word on what it means.

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.Psalm 101:3 (KJV)

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Whatsoever things are true, honest, pure, lovely, think on these things.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)

Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Romans 12:2 (KJV)

Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.Colossians 3:2 (KJV)

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.

What this means for you today

Entertainment is not condemned in Scripture; rest and enjoyment are gifts. The question is what we let shape our hearts and minds, since what we repeatedly take in slowly forms how we think and feel.

A helpful test is whether what we watch, play, or listen to leaves us more or less like Christ, more or less at peace, more or less loving. Enjoying entertainment with discernment, rather than passively absorbing whatever comes, keeps it a servant rather than a master.

The deepest answer is Jesus

Jesus wants our whole selves, including our leisure, and he gives a joy and rest that no entertainment can counterfeit or replace.

Every one of these Scriptures points beyond itself to a Person. The deepest answer the Bible gives to any human need is not a rule or a technique but Jesus Christ, who came, lived, died, and rose again so that you could be forgiven and brought home to God. He said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Whatever you are carrying, you do not have to carry it alone, and you do not have to make yourself clean first. You can come to him today, just as you are.

This is the good news the whole Bible is telling. We were made for God, we have all turned from him and gone our own way, and none of us can fix that on our own. But God did not leave us there. Out of love he sent his Son to take our place, bearing our wrong on the cross and rising again to open the way back to the Father. Everyone who turns to Jesus and trusts him is forgiven, given new life, and welcomed as a beloved child of God, held by a love that will never let go. That is why the Bible's answer to every topic on this page finally leads here. You can respond right now, in your own words, simply telling God you need him and asking Jesus to be your Saviour and Lord. He hears the honest prayer of anyone who comes.

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