What the Bible Says About Technology
Though the Bible was written long before computers and machines, it speaks profoundly to the human capacity to make tools, build, and innovate, and it offers timeless wisdom about how technology should be used. Scripture presents human skill and craftsmanship as a reflection of the God who created all things, while also warning that technology, like every human power, can be turned to pride and sin. From the beginning, the Bible treats craftsmanship as part of human life under God. Genesis 4:22 mentions Tubal-cain, "an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron," marking the early development of metalworking and tools. Far from condemning such skill, Scripture later shows that God himself empowers it. Exodus 31:3 says of the craftsman Bezalel that God filled him "with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." Skill and ingenuity can be gifts of God's Spirit, used to build for His glory. Wisdom and invention are linked in Scripture. Proverbs 8:12 has wisdom declare, "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions." God values understanding that produces useful and clever works. Yet the Bible is realistic about the human heart. Ecclesiastes 7:29 observes that "God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions," reminding us that human cleverness is often bent toward our own ends rather than God's. The clearest warning is the tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:4 the people said, "let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name." Their technology was real, but it served pride and self-glory, and God scattered them. The deciding question is therefore one of the heart. Colossians 1:16 declares that all things were created "by him, and for him," including the materials and minds that make technology possible. Used in humility for the good of others and the glory of God, technology becomes a blessing; used to exalt ourselves, it becomes another Babel.
Key verse snapshot
“And Zillah, she also bare Tubal–cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal–cain was Naamah.”
Bible Verses about Technology
6 Scripture passages on this theme
Genesis 4:22
“And Zillah, she also bare Tubal–cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal–cain was Naamah.”
Genesis 11:4
“And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”
Exodus 31:3
“And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,”
Proverbs 8:12
“I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.”
Ecclesiastes 7:29
“Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. ”
Colossians 1:16
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”
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Apply These Verses to Your Life
Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with technology.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Category:
- Scripture Guidance