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We are to be like the Bereans to study and seek the truth via the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Act 17:11, "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the Word with all readiness of mind and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." The Bereans eagerly received the word of God and diligently studied the Scriptures to confirm its truth. Let's be empathizing the importance of actively seeking and examining the truth. However when new insight of scripture is presented in today's society, some people express their doubts with "I don't think, I don't know, or I do not agree." as common responses to someone who has been praying and studying biblical scripture. People are uncomfortable to new insight on passages. Such an attitude represents a closed mind and denies the power of the Holy Spirit to edify and teach new concepts that might be challenged. Remember to actively: 1Th 5:21, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

2Ti 2:15, "Diligently study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing {dissecting} the Word of the truth." This idea particularly emphasizes the wisdom and the teachings of the apostles. Before studying we need to pray to God to have a spirit of humility and a willingness to seek His divine wisdom, thus we can avoid the trap of a closed mind. Isa 55:8-9, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." The folly of human wisdom is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the limitations and inadequacies of human understanding when contrasted with divine wisdom via the Holy Spirit. It is crucial in biblical research to have conversations and interactions with people who have an open mind, willing to listen and understand. Mat 7:6, "Do not give that which is holy to the dogs, nor cast your pearls before the swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn around and tear you in pieces." A person who is truly seeking to do God’s will is more likely to recognize the truth in Jesus' teachings.

The danger of having a closed mind emphasizes that a person who lacks interest in understanding and is solely focused on expressing their own opinions. Which is considered foolish. Having a closed mind prevents growth, learning, and the ability to see alternative perspectives. Pro 18:2, "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion." When one's mind is closed, they struggle to comprehend or accept spiritual truths because they are unwilling to consider or explore new concepts revealed through the Holy Spirit. To truly understand God's teachings, one must be open to His guidance and willing to seek and obey the truth. Pro 28:26, "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."

Relying on one's own understanding or accepting at face value what some minister, priest, or pastor says does not mean it is accurate or true. A closed mind can lead to pride and self-reliance, hindering one's ability to receive guidance and wisdom through the teachings of the Holy Spirit. God's thoughts and ways are far beyond our comprehension and having a closed mind limits our understanding of God's infinite wisdom and plan. If we approach God with a closed mind, we hinder our ability to fully grasp God's purposes and follow His guidance. Pro 14:15, "The simple believes everything, but the wise gives thought to his steps."

When we close ourselves off from understanding and seeking truth, we miss out on the healing transformation God desires for us. A closed mind hinders our ability to recognize and receive God's revelation. We must be open to His truth and actively seek understanding with an open heart, ears, and eyes. A closed mindset makes us susceptible to deceptive manipulation. It is important to be prudent and consider the validity and truthfulness of new ideas and information we encounter. Pro 18:13, "He who answers a matter before he hears, it is his folly and shame." This verse challenges the closed-minded approach of jumping to conclusions. Which leads to misunderstandings and strained relationships. We must be willing hear someone out and then be willing to study and research, via prayer and mediation. Mat 13:15, "For this people's heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them."

God expects us to pray and study and be prepared to unravel or peel away layers He has in His word. He does not expect us to understand His word right away. Anymore than He expects a new born baby to digest anything but milk. The Holy Spirit encourages us to have open minds, welcoming those with different opinions and beliefs, without engaging in quarrels or arguments. Rom 14:1,"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions." A closed mind leads to division and conflict, especially when it comes to matters of faith. Being openhearted and willing to have respectful conversations and discussions can foster understanding and unity among believers. When studying with others: Pro 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

Pro 1:7, "The fear {reverence} of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." A closed mind is equivalent to despising wisdom and lacking the understanding that comes from a deep respect for the Lord. Having an open mind rooted in the fear of the Lord allows us to grow in knowledge, understanding, and the ability to discern truth. It opens the door to receive God’s wisdom and guidance in our lives.

Mat 11:15, "The one who has ears to hear, let him hear." This is an invitation to listen and understand Jesus' teachings. Having open ears and a receptive mind is crucial for receiving spiritual insight. Pro 3:5-7, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil." We need to trust in the Lord rather than relying on our own understanding. By surrendering our own understanding and being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we allow God to direct our paths and guide us in the best way. Pro 19:20, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." This verse emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and receptive to advice and instruction. By actively listening and being willing to learn, we gain wisdom for the future. A closed mind dismisses the input and wisdom of others, hindering our growth and understanding.

Having an open mindset means you may become blessed: Mat 13:16, "But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear." We need to have open eyes and ears to perceive and understand spiritual truth. Being receptive to God’s revelation leads to spiritual insight and understanding. A closed mind prevents us from seeing and hearing the things of God by open discussions, in order to receive His truth.

James has advice everyone should accept and follow: Jas 1:19-20, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." Therefore be quick to listen, slow to speak, and do not react with anger. We need an open mind that is willing to patiently listen, understand, and discuss scripture in a new light. A closed mind leads to judgment, heated arguments, and misunderstandings. By having active listening and being slow to anger, we create opportunities for open dialogue and greater understanding in our interactions.

Pro 12:15, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise." This verse contrasts the mindset of a fool versus a wise person. Highlighting the danger of having a closed mind, that is one who is convinced of their own rightness, versus the wisdom that comes from listening to advice. Pro 21:2, "Every way of a man {or woman} is right in his own eyes, but the Lord ponders the heart." We need to avoid becoming self-righteousness; which comes from a closed mind that believes one's own way is always right. God looks beyond outward actions and weighs the intentions of the heart. A closed mind can blind us to our own prejudices, biases, and sinful attitudes. By humbly recognizing our limitations and seeking God's guidance, our hearts can become aligned with His.

What kind of transformation will an open mind produce? Isa 1:16-20, " 'Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do good; seek judgment {justice}, reprove the oppressor. Judge the orphan, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together,' says the LORD. 'Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword;' for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it." This is God’s invitation to reason and engage in spiritual dialogue. It offers hope for transformation and forgiveness, even in the midst of sinful ways. By being open to His invitation, and by putting aside evil, we can experience the cleansing and transformation of our hearts and minds.

As believers we need to abandon the futile mindset and ways of the world, by the way of renewing our minds and adopting a mindset aligned with God's truth. A closed mind entraps us into worldly thinking and prevents spiritual growth. By surrendering our old ways of thinking and opening our minds to be transformed by God's truth; we can experience a renewed mind and a transformed life. We need to walk in Christ's new way of life! Eph 4:17-20, "This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ,

As a final caution: Col 2:8, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." We need to be careful of being captivated by worldly philosophies and deceptive teachings. Scripture encourages believers to align their minds with Christ rather than human traditions. A closed mind makes us vulnerable to false teachings and distortions of the truth. We need to test our "new understanding and teachings" to see if they agree with the true Word of God. We must seek to maintain an open and discerning mindset and guard against being led astray.

The Folly of a Closed Mind

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