What Does the Bible Say About the Heart?
What Does the Bible Say About the Heart? The heart is the centre of a person's being — Scripture says to guard it above all else, for from it flow the issues of life.
Key verse: Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)
The heart is the centre of a person's being — Scripture says to guard it above all else, for from it flow the issues of life.
The heart is the centre of a person's being — Scripture says to guard it above all else, for from it flow the issues of life.
"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
In biblical usage, the 'heart' encompasses mind, will, emotions, and conscience. Jeremiah warned that the heart is deceitfully wicked (17:9). Proverbs 4:23 instructs believers to guard it above all things. God told Samuel He looks at the heart, not outward appearance. Jesus taught that what defiles a person comes from the heart. The promise of the New Covenant is that God writes His law on believers' hearts.
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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?"
"For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
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
Read it in context
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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