Experts at Northwestern University have found that those who took music lessons in childhood benefit from improved mental function and limited cognitive decline later in life. Even if those lessons took place in youth and didn’t continue, brains of these individuals still responded more quickly to various stimuli, including a faster response to speech.

Music education develops the speed at which neurons in the brain communicate and from which the brain processes language and emotion (Stephen Adkins, “Playing An Instrument As A Child Keeps Brain Sharp In Later Life, Study,” UniversityHerald.com, November 6, 2013).

The Bible has many examples of the use of musical instruments of different kinds (many of them invented by King David, Amos 6:5) and songs performed at different times for various reasons. Some forms of music were for the worship of God, some for reflection on godly concepts, and others for reciting history. The Psalms are a collection of poetic lyrics that were set to music and which cover a vast range of topics.

God made music to be a beautiful expression of human emotion and perception; it is no wonder that it has a powerful impact on our thoughts. It can be used for great good or great evil. As in all things, choose wisely.