A great reference!
"Examine your heart" is a phrase that appears in Proverbs 17:3 (King James Version, KJV):
"Father of the righteous, rejoice not exceedingly at the presence of strangers, nor exalt thyself; for there shall be no reward to the ungodly. Examine your heart, and answer for thyself, for what is right."
This verse is urging us to take a close look within ourselves, to examine our motivations, desires, and values, and to be honest about our own moral state. It's an invitation to introspection, self-reflection, and personal accountability.
In essence, the phrase "Examine your heart" is a call to:
1. Self-awareness: Recognize your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
2. Moral accountability: Take responsibility for your choices and behaviors.
3. Inner transformation: Seek to conform to God's standards and values.
This passage is part of a larger section in Proverbs that emphasizes the importance of living a life pleasing to God, characterized by wisdom, integrity, and righteousness.
A great reference!
In Jeremiah 17:10, it says:
"I, the Lord, search the heart; I know the mind far off, and try me, and know my thoughts!"
And in Proverbs 24:12, it says:
"If you say, 'Behold, we did not know this,' Does He not consider it? Has He not looked on it?"
These passages suggest that God is aware of our thoughts, intentions, and motivations, even if they're hidden from others. The phrase "God knows the intent of the heart" (KJV) is a common way to express this idea.
This concept is rooted in the biblical understanding of God's omniscience (all-knowing), which means that He has complete knowledge of all things, including our innermost thoughts and desires. It's as if God has a direct window into our hearts, allowing Him to see our true intentions and motivations, even when we try to hide them.
This idea is comforting because it means that God knows us intimately, even in our deepest thoughts and emotions. It also serves as a reminder that we should strive for honesty and integrity in our actions, knowing that God sees everything we do and thinks.
However, this concept can also be challenging because it holds us accountable for our thoughts and intentions. We may need to confront the reality that some of our thoughts or actions might not align with God's will, even if they seem like a good idea at the time.
Overall, the phrase "God knows the intent of the heart" (KJV) is a powerful reminder of God's all-knowing nature and His ability to see into our deepest thoughts and desires.
I think you meant "Whole Heart" from the Bible, specifically Psalm 119:10-11 in the King James Version (KJV):
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: hide not thy commandment from me.
11 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
In this passage, David is expressing his deep longing to seek God's presence and guidance. He's saying that he wants to devote himself entirely to the pursuit of God's ways and commands, using phrases like "with my whole heart" to emphasize his sincerity and commitment.
This verse has been a powerful expression of devotion and surrender for many people throughout history, including Christian leaders like Martin Luther and John Wesley. It reminds us that seeking God with our whole hearts is essential for spiritual growth, purification, and transformation.
What do you think about this passage? Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt like you were seeking God with your whole heart?
A great reference!
The phrase "the heart is deceitful" comes from Jeremiah 17:9, which says:
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and sadly wicked: who can know it?"
This verse is part of a larger passage where God is describing the nature of human hearts. In this context, God is lamenting the fact that people tend to trust in themselves and their own abilities rather than relying on Him.
The King James Version (KJV) uses the word "deceitful" to describe the heart's inclination to hide or distort the truth from others and even from ourselves. This can include lying, exaggerating, or concealing our true intentions.
In Jeremiah 17:9, God is saying that the human heart is prone to deceitfulness because of its inherent sinful nature (Jeremiah 17:1-8). As a result, we tend to prioritize our own interests and desires over what is truly good and right.
This verse can be seen as a warning against relying on our own hearts or trusting in our own abilities. Instead, we are called to rely on God's wisdom, guidance, and redemption (Jeremiah 17:10-13).
In summary, the phrase "the heart is deceitful" reminds us that our human nature has a tendency to prioritize self-interest over what is good and right, and that we need to rely on God's power and guidance to overcome this tendency.
You're referring to the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, specifically the book of Nehemiah, chapter 2, verse 11, which says:
"And I laid before the king only lay they had there in Judah, and made request to him that he would send me unto Jewry unto the Jews that are at Jerusalem, with whom I have some dispute for my brethren's part."
In this passage, Nehemiah is requesting permission from King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and restore the Jewish community.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10 KJV)
This is one of the most famous verses in the Bible! David wrote this psalm after his great sin with Bathsheba, and he's asking God to forgive him and give him a new heart. He wants God to create a "clean heart" inside of him, which means to purify him and make him a new person.
The word "create" here is important. It doesn't mean David was asking God to just clean up the mess of his life; he's asking God to start over, to give him a brand-new heart that's free from sin. He's saying, "Lord, I need you to do something entirely new in me."
And then he adds, "renew a right spirit within me." This is talking about the Holy Spirit, who gives us spiritual power and helps us to live for God. David is asking God to give him a fresh start, to fill his heart with the right kind of spirit that will guide him in his life.
So, this verse is all about new beginnings, forgiveness, and being made new by God's grace. It's a powerful reminder that no matter what we've done or where we've been, God can always give us a fresh start if we're willing to ask for it!
Another great phrase from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible!
"Guard thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23, KJV
This verse is urging us to take care and protect our hearts, recognizing that they are the source of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Just as a city gate is the entrance point for people and goods, our heart is the "gate" through which our lives flow.
The phrase "with all diligence" emphasizes the importance of being intentional and persistent in guarding our hearts. It's not just a one-time task; it's an ongoing process that requires effort and commitment.
In essence, this verse is saying:
* Be mindful of your thoughts and emotions.
* Set boundaries to protect yourself from negative influences.
* Prioritize what goes into your heart (your values, relationships, etc.).
* Keep your heart pure and full of good things, like love, joy, peace, and wisdom.
By "guarding thy heart," you'll be better equipped to make wise decisions, build strong relationships, and live a life that honors God.
You're referring to Psalm 19:13, which says:
"Keep back thy servant also from the presumptuous sins; and I will walk in my integrity. And I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed."
In this verse, the phrase "cold heart" is a metaphorical expression that describes a person who lacks a deep emotional connection with God or has a hardened spirit. The term "heart" refers to one's emotions, will, and intentions.
The phrase "with a cold heart" can also imply a lack of passion, compassion, or empathy for others. In this sense, having a "cold heart" means that one is not motivated by love, kindness, or concern for the well-being of others.
In the context of Psalm 19:13, David is asking God to keep him from committing presumptuous sins and to help him maintain his integrity. He is expressing a desire to be faithful to God's laws and to speak about them with confidence, even in the presence of kings.
Overall, having a "cold heart" can be seen as a spiritual condition that hinders one's ability to fully experience the love and grace of God or to demonstrate genuine compassion for others.