What Does the Bible Say About Worldliness?
What Does the Bible Say About Worldliness? The Bible warns believers not to love the world's value system — its lust, pride, and materialism — because friendship with the world is enmity with God.
Key verse: 1 John 2:15-16 (KJV)
The Bible warns believers not to love the world's value system — its lust, pride, and materialism — because friendship with the world is enmity with God.
The Bible warns believers not to love the world's value system — its lust, pride, and materialism — because friendship with the world is enmity with God.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world... the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." — 1 John 2:15-16 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
First John 2:15-16 commands, 'Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.' James 4:4 warns, 'Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.' Jesus told His disciples, 'If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own' (John 15:18-19). 'The world' in these passages doesn't mean creation or people — it refers to the organized system of values, priorities, and behaviors that operate apart from and against God. Paul instructs, 'Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind' (Romans 12:2). Believers are 'in' the world but not 'of' it (John 17:14-16).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
What the Bible teaches about God's grace — unmerited favor and undeserved love.
Key Scripture References
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world... the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life."
"Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
"The friendship of the world is enmity with God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Modern Idolatry?
Idolatry is anything that takes God's place in your heart — money, success, relationships, pleasure, or self — and the Bible warns it is as dangerous today as ancient idol worship.
What Does the Bible Say About Holiness?
God is holy and calls His people to be holy — set apart from sin and consecrated to His purposes.
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers into the likeness of Christ — set apart from sin and growing in holiness through the Spirit's power.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 John. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 John on day 356 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Worldliness?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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