The heart is a very important member of our body. Without a healthy heart, we would not be able to perform many functions that require endurance. In the Bible, the word “heart” is used as the seat of life or strength. Sometimes the word “heart” refers to our minds, our souls or our understanding. It is also used to refer to the center or inner part of a thing. Many are the exhortations of Scripture, therefore, to keep our hearts with all diligence - to protect them in every possible way from danger and difficulty. Did you know that the tongue is untamable because our hearts are morally bad? See James 3:88But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8) and Romans 7:1818For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (Romans 7:18). Also, things that we do, eat and see all affect our hearts. When the Lord says, “My son, give Me thine heart” (Proverbs 23:2626My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. (Proverbs 23:26)), it means our entire person, not just that little organ. Then again, we are told, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (Proverbs 3:55Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)).
We will look at a few of the many references in the Bible to the heart.
1. Besides preaching the gospel to the poor, what would the Lord do for the brokenhearted? Luke 4:___
2. What did God see that grieved Him so much that He would destroy man that He created? Genesis 6:___
3. What kind of a heart is said to be an abomination to the Lord?
Proverbs 16:___
4. Concerning the thoughts and intents of the heart, what is the Word of God able to do? Hebrews 4:___
5. Is our character formed by what we think in our hearts? Proverbs 23:___