during the protestant reformation, a number of bible texts were interpreted as requiring reforms in the music used in worship. the psalms were particularly commended for singing; james 5:13 asks, "is anyone happy? let him sing songs of praise." colossians 3:16 states "let the word of christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to god."