What Does The Bible Say About The Heart?
The Bible has a great deal to say about the heart, often referring to it as the seat of emotion and understanding. In the bible, the heart is a metaphor for the core of a person’s being, from which their thoughts and feelings emanate. The Bible also suggests an intimate connection between the physical heart and the spiritual heart. It teaches that God is aware of the human heart and that through prayer, one can discern its needs and inclinations.
According to Psalm 139, the Lord knows our hearts better than anyone else. This verse states, “You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” Verse 14 urges readers to “search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
In the Bible, God uses the heart as the center of an individual’s faith and understanding. Jesus calls his followers to love him with all their hearts, souls, and minds (Matthew 22:37). Paul instructs believers to set their minds on things above and not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). Romans 10:10 states that with the heart one believes and is justified, and also with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Generally, the Bible teaches that a healthy heart has faith and obeys the will of God. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord tells Samuel that he does not look at what people look at. “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” The heart is essential to having a healthy relationship with God, and it is important that it is protected and guarded.
The Bible contains many warnings about the consequences of a corrupt heart. Jeremiah 17:9 states “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” This suggests that without God, the heart is untrustworthy and untamed. In Proverbs 4:23, wisdom is referred to as the “guardian of the heart.” Proverbs advises readers to guard their hearts diligently and to live wisely.
In conclusion, the bible provides many insights into the heart and its role in living according to God’s will. It encourages us to protect our hearts by putting our faith in God and to set our minds on things above. It also warns against the corrupting power of the heart and reminds us to keep our hearts pure and guard it from evil.
The Mind-Heart Connection
The Bible also points to a strong connection between the mind and the heart. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” This suggests that if one seeks God with their heart and mind, they will be able to find Him.
Paul in his letter to the Romans, speaks to this connection between the heart and the mind. In Romans 12:2, he speaks of being “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation comes through a connection between the mind and the heart, as the mind is transformed when the heart is humbly surrendered to God in trust and love.
The Bible also refers to the heart as a teacher. Proverbs 23:19 proclaims, “Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way.” This suggests that the heart has the ability to guide one in the will of God, but one must actively listen to their heart and keep it in line with God’s Word.
The Bible also refers to the peace of God for those who have a rightly aligned heart. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This verse suggests that when one’s heart is devoted to God and His purposes, they experience an inseparable peace that guards their hearts and minds.
Finally, the Bible warns us against an unwise heart. Proverbs 23:19 states, “Let not your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day.” This recalls the importance of guarding our hearts and minds, so that it is not led astray by the desires of the world.
The Danger of Hardened Hearts
The Bible also warns of the danger of hardened hearts. In Exodus 8:15, Pharaoh’s heart is said to be hardened by God, further emphasizing the danger of a hardening heart. Romans 2:5 refers to those whose hearts are hardened against the truth of the gospel. This is especially dangerous because a hardened heart can become desensitized to God’s truth and grace.
In Numbers 11:10-15, the people of Israel complained against Moses and God, despite having seen the miracles God had done for them. In response, God provided meat for the people, but their hearts soon hardened and they began to crave the meat God had given them. This story serves as a warning against allowing our hearts to grow hard and become indifferent to God.
Ezekiel 36:26 warns readers against “hardening their hearts,” and encourages them to instead turn to God and allow him to give them a new heart and a new spirit. This suggests that, despite our tendency to harden our hearts against God’s Word, God has the power to give us a new heart and to open our hearts to His truths.
In addition to warnings of a hardened heart, the Bible warns us against having a double heart. Proverbs 6:16-17 warns, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” A double heart is often seen in those who claim to follow God, yet live in disobedience.
The Bible also has various promises for those who guard their hearts. Psalm 51:10-11 states “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” This suggests that those who guard their hearts and remain obedient to God will not be cast from His presence and will receive the abundance of His spirit.
Cleansing and Renewing Hearts
The Bible also speaks of the need to cleanse and renew our hearts on a regular basis. In Psalm 51:10, David makes the plea “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” This suggests that there is a need to continually cleanse our hearts of sin and ask God to revive our hearts and spirits in His truth.
In Jeremiah 33: 8, the Lord proclaims, “I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.” This speaks to God’s power to not only cleanse our heart of sin, but to also forgive us for it. This is an important reminder that, no matter how deeply entrenched in sin we may be, God is always ready and willing to cleanse and heal our hearts.
The Bible also emphasizes the need to guard our hearts from evil. Proverbs 4:23-24 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” This prophetic warning reminds us that our hearts are the source of our speech and behavior, and we must be diligent to guard it from unrighteousness.
Finally, the Bible speaks to the joy that comes from having a clean and devoted heart. In Psalm 16:11, David speaks of “the fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” that come with having a heart attentive to God’s will. This promises us that if we keep our hearts consistently devoted to God, we can experience a level of joy that surpasses anything this world has to offer.
Conclusion
The Bible has a great deal to say about the heart, from its intimate connection with the mind to the dangers of a hardened heart and the joys of a clean, devoted heart. Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to stay attentive to God, guard our hearts against the evil of the world, and know that the peace and joy of God flows from a heart devoted to His truths.
