Over-interested
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The term "over-interested" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept can be explored through various scriptural principles that caution against excessive curiosity or preoccupation with matters that may lead one away from a godly focus. The Bible provides guidance on maintaining a balanced interest in worldly and spiritual matters, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God.

Biblical Warnings Against Excessive Curiosity

The Bible warns against becoming overly concerned with matters that do not pertain to one's spiritual growth or that may lead to unnecessary distractions. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, believers are encouraged to "aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you." This verse suggests a focus on personal responsibilities and a life of simplicity, avoiding the pitfalls of meddling in affairs that do not concern us.

Similarly, in 1 Timothy 5:13, Paul warns against idleness, which can lead to becoming "busybodies, speaking about things they should not." This admonition highlights the danger of becoming over-involved in the lives of others or in matters that do not contribute to one's spiritual well-being.

The Pursuit of Knowledge and Wisdom

While the Bible encourages the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, it also cautions against the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake or for prideful reasons. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." The pursuit of wisdom should be rooted in a desire to grow closer to God and to live according to His will, rather than an over-interest in worldly knowledge that can lead to arrogance or distraction.

Ecclesiastes 12:12 warns, "But beyond these, my son, be warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body." This verse serves as a reminder that an excessive focus on acquiring knowledge can be burdensome and may detract from the more important pursuit of spiritual growth and understanding.

The Example of Mary and Martha

The account of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 provides a poignant illustration of the dangers of being over-interested in worldly concerns at the expense of spiritual priorities. Martha is described as "distracted by all the preparations to be made," while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus commends Mary for choosing "the good portion," emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly distractions.

Guarding the Heart and Mind

Philippians 4:8 offers guidance on maintaining a healthy focus: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This verse encourages believers to direct their thoughts and interests toward that which is edifying and aligned with God's truth, avoiding an over-interest in matters that do not contribute to spiritual growth.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly address the concept of being "over-interested," it provides ample guidance on maintaining a balanced focus, prioritizing spiritual growth, and avoiding distractions that can lead one away from a life centered on God.
Concordance
Over-interested (3 Occurrences)

2 Thessalonians 3:11
For it has come to our ears that there are some among you whose behaviour is uncontrolled, who do no work at all, but are over-interested in the business of others.
(BBE)

1 Timothy 5:13
And they get into the way of doing no work, going about from house to house; and not only doing no work, but talking foolishly, being over-interested in the business of others, saying things which they have no right to say.
(BBE)

1 Peter 4:15
Let no one among you undergo punishment as a taker of life, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as one who is over-interested in other men's business;
(BBE)

Thesaurus
Over-interested (3 Occurrences)
Over-interested. Over-indulge, Over-interested. Overjoyed .
Multi-Version Concordance Over-interested (3 Occurrences). ...
/o/over-interested.htm - 7k

Business (147 Occurrences)
... 3:11 For it has come to our ears that there are some among you whose behaviour is
uncontrolled, who do no work at all, but are over-interested in the business ...
/b/business.htm - 42k

Uncontrolled (58 Occurrences)
... 3:11 For it has come to our ears that there are some among you whose behaviour is
uncontrolled, who do no work at all, but are over-interested in the business ...
/u/uncontrolled.htm - 23k

Over-indulge (1 Occurrence)
Over-indulge. Over-high, Over-indulge. Over-interested . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Over-high, Over-indulge. Over-interested . Reference Bible.
/o/over-indulge.htm - 6k

Overjoyed (5 Occurrences)

/o/overjoyed.htm - 7k

Foolishly (20 Occurrences)
... 13 And they get into the way of doing no work, going about from house to house;
and not only doing no work, but talking foolishly, being over-interested in the ...
/f/foolishly.htm - 12k

Taker (26 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 4:15 Let no one among you undergo punishment as a taker of life, or as a
thief, or as an evil-doer, or as one who is over-interested in other men's ...
/t/taker.htm - 14k

Behaviour (115 Occurrences)
... 3:11 For it has come to our ears that there are some among you whose behaviour is
uncontrolled, who do no work at all, but are over-interested in the business ...
/b/behaviour.htm - 35k

Undergo (91 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 4:15 Let no one among you undergo punishment as a taker of life, or as a
thief, or as an evil-doer, or as one who is over-interested in other men's ...
/u/undergo.htm - 34k

Ears (449 Occurrences)
... 3:11 For it has come to our ears that there are some among you whose behaviour is
uncontrolled, who do no work at all, but are over-interested in the business ...
/e/ears.htm - 35k

Resources
Why are Mormons/LDS so interested in genealogies? | GotQuestions.org

Should Christians go to nightclubs? Is clubbing a sin? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org

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