In the Bible, "evil thoughts" refer to notions or intentions that are morally corrupt, sinful, or contrary to God's will. The concept is often linked to the inner motivations of the heart, emphasizing that thoughts can lead to actions that are sinful. For instance, in Matthew 15:19, Jesus states, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." Here, Jesus highlights that evil thoughts are the root of various sinful behaviors, indicating that the condition of one's heart is critical in understanding moral actions.The Hebrew term often associated with evil thoughts can be found in the Old Testament, particularly in passages like Jeremiah 17:9, which states, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" This reflects the biblical perspective that human thoughts can be inherently sinful without divine intervention. Furthermore, in Philippians 4:8, believers are encouraged to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely, suggesting that cultivating positive thoughts is essential for spiritual health and obedience to God. Thus, the biblical narrative underscores the importance of controlling one's thoughts as they significantly influence behavior and relationship with God.