The phrase “the heart is wicked” comes from Scripture and has sparked many discussions about human nature. What does the Bible mean when it talks about the condition of the human heart? Let’s explore this important concept and what Scripture teaches about our hearts and how they can be transformed by God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Symbols
What Does The Bible Say About The Heart Being Wicked
Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
This verse reminds us that our hearts can be desperately deceitful and wicked. Our inherent sinful nature leads us astray, making us vulnerable to temptation and sinful desires.
Though we may try to justify our actions, the truth is that our hearts are flawed and in need of redemption and transformation through Christ.
Genesis 6:5
“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”
In this verse, we see that the wickedness of humanity had become overwhelming, with every inclination of their hearts being evil. This highlights the pervasive nature of sin and the need for God’s intervention.
It serves as a reminder that apart from God’s transforming work in our hearts, we are prone to continuously succumb to wickedness.
Mark 7:21-23
“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
Jesus, in this verse, emphasizes that wickedness stems from the heart. He lists various sins that originate within us, highlighting the corrupt state of our hearts.
This verse invites us to reflect on the condition of our own hearts, acknowledging our need for God’s grace and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Proverbs 28:26
“Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”
This verse warns against the foolishness of trusting in our own hearts. Our hearts can be deceptive and unreliable, often leading us astray.
True wisdom lies in seeking guidance and relying on God, who alone can guard and protect us from the wickedness of our hearts.
Ezekiel 36:26
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
In this verse, God promises to give His people a new heart and spirit. He offers hope and transformation, replacing our hardened and wicked hearts with hearts that are receptive to His love and guidance.
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God can renew our hearts, enabling us to live in obedience to Him and experience His abundant grace.
Proverbs 6:18
“A heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil.”
This verse describes a heart that plots and schemes wickedness, always eager to engage in evil actions. It serves as a reminder of the corrupt nature of our hearts when left unchecked.
It calls us to guard our hearts diligently, seeking God’s wisdom and strength to resist the temptation to engage in sinful acts that harm ourselves and others.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
David’s plea in this verse reflects a recognition of his own sinful heart and the need for God’s transformative power. He longs for a pure heart that is untainted by wickedness.
It serves as a humble prayer for all believers to seek God’s restoration and renewal, acknowledging our dependence on Him to purify our hearts.
Matthew 12:34
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
This verse reminds us of the connection between our hearts and our words. Jesus rebukes those who speak evil because their hearts are filled with wickedness.
It challenges us to examine our own words, recognizing that they can reveal the true condition of our hearts. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our hearts with God’s truth and love.
Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
These words express the psalmist’s acknowledgment of human frailty and the wicked tendencies of the heart. Despite this, the psalmist finds strength and security in God.
It reminds us that our hearts may falter, but God’s faithfulness and power endure forever. We can find hope and refuge in Him, even when our own hearts are prone to wickedness.
Proverbs 21:2
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
This verse cautions against human arrogance and the tendency to justify our own actions based on our flawed understanding. It acknowledges that God alone can truly discern the motives and condition of our hearts.
It calls us to humbly seek God’s guidance, recognizing that our hearts can deceive us, leading us to walk in ways contrary to His will.
Matthew 15:18-19
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that our words and actions are rooted in our hearts. He identifies various sinful behaviors that originate from within.
This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and seek God’s cleansing and transformation. It reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts and surrendering them to God’s work.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse underscores the significance of protecting and monitoring our hearts. Everything we think, say, and do originates from the condition of our hearts.
It calls us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts against wickedness and actively cultivating a heart that is aligned with God’s truth and righteousness.
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James exhorts believers to draw near to God, seeking His presence and purification. He implores them to resist the double-mindedness that allows wickedness to take root in their hearts.
This verse encourages us to repent of our sins, purify our hearts through confession, and fully surrender ourselves to God.
Proverbs 11:20
“The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.”
This verse highlights God’s perspective on perverse and wicked hearts. He abhors those whose hearts are corrupt and delights in those who live blamelessly before Him.
It calls us to align our hearts with God’s righteous ways, seeking His pleasure rather than indulging in the wickedness that leads to destruction.
Titus 1:15
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.”
Paul draws a distinction between those who are pure and those who are corrupted. He emphasizes that our perception of purity is influenced by the condition of our hearts.
It serves as a reminder to pursue purity in heart and mind, allowing God’s transforming work to cleanse us from corrupted thoughts and beliefs.
Proverbs 15:14
“The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.”
This verse contrasts the heart that seeks knowledge and understanding with the heart that indulges in foolishness. It underscores the importance of cultivating a discerning heart.
It calls us to prioritize seeking wisdom and knowledge from God, rather than being consumed by empty and foolish pursuits.
Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
David, in this verse, recognizes the significance of a broken and contrite heart before God. He acknowledges that God sees the value in a heart that is humble and repentant.
It encourages us to approach God with genuine humility, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness and restoration.
Proverbs 28:14
“Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.”
This verse extols the virtue of fearing God and humbly trembling before Him. It suggests that a hardened heart leads to trouble and spiritual downfall.
It reminds us of the importance of maintaining a soft and receptive heart, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives.
Psalm 26:2
“Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”
David’s plea in this verse reflects a desire for God to examine his heart and thoughts. He invites God to reveal any wickedness within him.
It serves as a reminder for us to allow God to search our hearts, enabling us to confront and repent of any sinful inclinations and align our lives with His will.
Proverbs 22:11
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
This verse highlights the value of a pure heart and gracious words. It suggests that those who possess these qualities find favor, even with those in positions of authority.
It calls us to cultivate purity of heart and speak with grace, reflecting the character of Christ and attracting others to His love and truth.
Ezekiel 11:19
“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”
In this verse, God promises to transform the hearts of His people. He assures them of an undivided heart that is tender and receptive to His leading.
It serves as a reminder that through the power of the Holy Spirit, God can change our hearts, enabling us to love Him and follow His commands with unwavering devotion.
Matthew 22:37
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
Jesus’ response in this verse highlights the paramount importance of loving God with our entire being, including our hearts. He calls us to wholeheartedly devote ourselves to God.
It challenges us to evaluate the sincerity and depth of our love for God, ensuring that our hearts are fully surrendered to Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse encourages believers to place their complete trust in the Lord, surrendering their hearts and relying on His wisdom rather than their limited understanding.
It reminds us of the importance of submissive obedience, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and seeking His guidance in all our endeavors.
Psalm 27:8
“My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
David’s declaration in this verse reflects the longing of his heart to seek God’s presence continually. It demonstrates his commitment to prioritize God above all else.
It serves as an encouragement for us to align our hearts with this same desire, seeking God’s face and making Him the primary focus of our lives.