“When I get ready for my day, I turn on my music. When I get in the car, I turn on my music. When I’m at home relaxing, cleaning, even reading​—my music is on. I’m always listening to music.”​—Carla.

 Do you share Carla’s enthusiasm for music? If so, this article will help you enjoy its benefits, avoid its pitfalls, and choose your music wisely.

•  The benefits

•  The pitfalls

•  What your peers say

 Listening to music can be compared to eating food. In both cases, the right type in the right amount can be good for you. Consider:

•   Music can improve your mood.

   “If I’m having a bad day, I can put on my favorite music and get almost immediate relief.”​—Mark.

•   Music can take you back in time.

   “Often, a particular song will remind me of a fond memory, so I’m happy every time I hear it.”​—Sheila.

•   Music can create a powerful bond of unity.

   “I was at an international convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and as all the visitors sang the final song, I was moved to tears. We spoke different languages, but the music united us.”​—Tammy.

•   Music can help you cultivate valuable qualities.

   “Learning to play a musical instrument helps you develop discipline and patience. It’s not something you can master quickly. The only way to get better at it is through practice.”​—Anna.

 Did you know? The largest book of the Bible​—Psalms​—is made up of 150 songs.

 Some music, like tainted food, can be poisonous. Consider why.

•   Many songs contain sexually explicit lyrics.

   “It seems as if all the popular songs are just about sex. They don’t even try to cover it up anymore.”​—Hannah.

   The Bible says: “Let sexual immorality and every sort of uncleanness or greediness not even be mentioned among you.” (Ephesians 5:3) Ask yourself, ‘Does my music hinder me from following that admonition?’

•   Some music can immerse you in sadness.

   “Sometimes I lie awake at night listening to music that makes me think about things that depress and overwhelm me. Sad music can bring dark thoughts into my mind.”​—Tammy.

   The Bible says: “Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart.” (Proverbs 4:​23) Ask yourself, ‘Does my music make me focus on negative thoughts?’

•   Some music can incite you to anger.

   “Angry, self-loathing, hateful music is a subtle danger to me. I noticed a marked difference in my mood after I would listen to that kind of music. My family noticed it too.”​—John.

   The Bible says: “Put them all away from you: wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8) Ask yourself, ‘Does my music make me aggressive, perhaps even calloused to others’ feelings?’

 The bottom line? Be selective. That’s what a teenager named Julie tries to do. “I’m constantly going through my music and deleting anything that I realize is inappropriate,” she says. “It’s not always easy, but I know it’s the right thing to do.”

 A young woman named Tara is learning something similar. She says: “At times a song with a great beat will come on the radio, but then I’ll hear the lyrics and realize that I should change the station. Doing that is like tearing myself away from an amazing cinnamon roll after just one bite! But if I have the strength to reject a song about sex, I’ll more likely have the strength to reject the act of sex before marriage. I don’t want to underestimate the effect that my music can have on me.”