What Does the Bible Say About the Heart?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The heart is a central theme in the Bible, symbolizing the core of our being, our emotions, thoughts, and intentions. It’s often depicted as the seat of our moral and spiritual life. In the biblical perspective, a pure heart is close to God, reflecting love, kindness, and sincerity. However, the Bible also cautions about the heart being deceitful and capable of evil. This dichotomy serves as a reminder that humans, while capable of good, can be swayed by sin and must seek purity through faith in Jesus.

Curious about the importance of the heart in the Bible? Delve into this enlightening exploration to uncover profound truths about the core of human essence from a biblical perspective!

What Does the Bible Say About the Heart?

The heart is profoundly significant in the Bible. It is not merely a physical organ but symbolizes the essence of our being, encompassing our emotions, will, and intellect. The heart is portrayed as the locus of our moral and spiritual life, the place where our deepest thoughts and desires reside. The Bible offers diverse insights into the heart, highlighting its potential for both good and evil.

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks frequently about the heart. He explains that what comes out of a person’s heart defines them, citing desires, thoughts, and intentions as reflections of one’s inner self. According to Jesus, a person’s actions and words are direct manifestations of what’s in their heart.

But, the Bible does not only portray the heart as a source of goodness and light. It also warns of the heart’s potential for deceit and wickedness. Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” This serves as a sobering reminder of our susceptibility to sin and the continuous need for self-examination and repentance.

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God values a pure heart. A heart that is honest, loving, and sincere is held in high esteem in God’s view. Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This implies the immense impact of our hearts on our actions and lives, underlining the importance of nurturing purity and goodness within.

The state of our heart is pivotal in our relationship with God. An open and humble heart is allowed to enter into communion with God, to receive His love, and to understand His will. Meanwhile, a hardened heart is distant from God, blinded by sin and self-deception. Thus, maintaining a pure and contrite heart is crucial for a genuine connection with God, making continuous spiritual growth and moral integrity essential for every believer.

Bible Verses About the Heart

  1. Proverbs 4:23 – This verse vividly highlights the importance of guarding one’s heart diligently as it is the source of life. It’s a powerful reminder that the state of our heart directly affects our actions, thoughts, and overall life.
  1. Matthew 5:8 – Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” This Beatitude emphasizes the significance of inner purity and sincerity in attaining closeness to God.
  1. Jeremiah 17:9 – Jeremiah describes the heart as deceitful and incurable, presenting a grave picture of the human heart’s potential for evil and the need for vigilance and self-examination.
  1. Ezekiel 36:26 – God promises a new heart and a new spirit to His people, symbolizing transformation and renewal. It’s a beautiful portrayal of God’s mercy and grace in changing hardened hearts.
  1. Psalm 51:10 – David prays, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” This prayer is a fervent plea for purification and steadfastness in faith, reflecting the human longing for righteousness and divine connection.
  1. Luke 6:45 – Jesus declares that the good person, out of the good treasure of his heart, produces good, while the evil person, out of his evil treasure, produces evil. This stresses the correlation between the state of one’s heart and one’s words and actions.
  1. Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” This verse encourages complete trust in God, reliance on His wisdom, and submission to His will, emphasizing the need for a heart fully devoted to God.
  1. Mark 12:30 – Jesus commands, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” This is the greatest commandment, summarizing the essence of a believer’s relationship with God, calling for love that encompasses one’s entire being.