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    In Context

    What Does the Bible Say About the Heart — In Biblical Context

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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).

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Proverbs 4:23, sits inside Proverbs 4. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
    — Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Jeremiah 17:9
    "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
    Ezekiel 36:26
    "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."

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