What Does the Bible Say About the Heart?
What Does the Bible Say About the Heart? The Bible uses 'heart' to describe the inner person—mind, will, and emotions—teaching that the heart is central to one's relationship with God.
Key verse: Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)
The Bible uses 'heart' to describe the inner person—mind, will, and emotions—teaching that the heart is central to one's relationship with God.
The Bible uses 'heart' to describe the inner person—mind, will, and emotions—teaching that the heart is central to one's relationship with God.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." — Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The heart is mentioned over 800 times in Scripture, making it one of the Bible's most important concepts. It represents the totality of the inner person. Proverbs warns to 'keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life' (Proverbs 4:23). Jeremiah declared the heart 'deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked' (Jeremiah 17:9). Jesus taught that sin originates in the heart (Matthew 15:19) and that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). The gospel transforms hearts: God promises to give a 'new heart' and 'new spirit' (Ezekiel 36:26). The greatest commandment involves loving God with all the heart (Matthew 22:37). David prayed for a 'clean heart' (Psalm 51:10). The heart is where faith resides (Romans 10:10) and where Christ dwells (Ephesians 3:17).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Mental Health?
What the Bible teaches about emotional well-being, anxiety, and God's care for the mind and heart.
Key Scripture References
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ, separating them from sin and developing holiness in their character.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Proverbs 4:23 — Meaning & Devotional
Heart
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The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About the Heart?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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