We have had similar questions in the past. In August of 2018 one asked, “What kind of music is appropriate for Christians to listen to?” I was thankful that he went on to say, “I know music with bad messages and profanity is not okay and wouldn’t do anything other than harm us.” I trust you are also clear as to these things, for “bad messages and profanity” can linger in our minds and defile us. We are exhorted in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever thing are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS.”

I hesitate to give you a simple “yes or no,” for Scripture doesn’t address this specific subject directly, but we do have “scriptural principles to guide us” in this area (as we just saw in Philippians 4:8). Here are two good passages that have been a help to me and others regarding listening to any kind of music:

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought UNDER THE POWER OF ANY… All things are lawful for me, but not all things are HELPFUL; all things are lawful for me, but not all things EDIFY” (1 Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23…NKJV). The Apostle Paul, in using the word “lawful” in these two verses, is speaking of the LIBERTY believers in Christ have been brought into. In short, he is saying that we can enjoy anything that is not SINFUL “in and of itself.” Again, if music has profanity and sinful messages in it, we do NOT have the liberty to listen to it. But if the music is free of these things, and there are lyrics which focus on the things mentioned above (whatever things are TRUE, NOBLE, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, OF GOOD REPORT, VIRTUOUS, or PRAISEWORTHY), we may enjoy them. But even here, we must avoid being “brought under the power” of the music. What do I mean by that? I know some Christians who are ALWAYS listening to music and at times neglect Bible studies and times of prayer in favor of listening to music. This would be a case of BONDAGE (which is what Paul refers to when he says, “I will not be brought under the power of any.” I have often used the example of playing or watching sports. We are surely free to engage in these but at times one gets so wrapped up in sports they too neglect “spiritual things” (worshipping the Lord, reading the Bible, praying, witnessing to lost sinners, etc.).

Paul then went on to speak of another snare in 1 Corinthians 10:23 where we may be enjoying something that isn’t sinful, but it’s also NOT HELPFUL or EDIFYING. He was especially thinking of the effect we may have on others, for he goes on to say in verse 24, “Let no one seek his own, but each one the OTHER’S WELL-BEING.” He elaborates on that through the rest of the chapter, showing that what we may feel free to enjoy may prove to be a stumbling block to others whose CONSCIENCE is bothered by our actions. In that case, our actions may embolden them to do something against their conscience, and this would then “tear them down” instead of “building them up” (which is what the word EDIFYING means).

I want to close by saying I’m an avid fan of good “instrumental music.” This type of music can be very “soothing to the soul” like we see in 1 Samuel 16:14-23 where David was used of the Lord to sooth the troubled spirit of King Saul. But even with this type of music (that has no lyrics), one must be on guard lest they make music “the focus of their life.” I also enjoy some country music if it has a good message and is free of the filth (sex before marriage, divorce, violence, drunkenness, etc.) that seems to permeate many country music songs today.  (DO)  (736.5)