The Heart

Then Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.

• [HEART] Before the flood every intention of man's heart was only evil all the time.

When Yahweh smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done.

• [HEART] God says the intent of man's heart is evil from youth.

“Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.

• [HEART] God asked for offerings only from those whose hearts moved them to give.

Take from among you an offering to Yahweh. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to Yahweh: gold, silver, and bronze;

• [HEART] Everyone with a willing heart brought an offering for the tabernacle.

And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to Yahweh for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.

• [HEART] Those whose hearts stirred them brought gifts for the work.

So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to Yahweh for all the work that Yahweh through Moses had commanded them to do.

• [HEART] The people gave freely because their hearts were willing.

You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.

• [HEART] Do not keep hatred for your brother in your heart. Talk to him instead. The next verse says love your neighbor as yourself.

and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity,

• [HEART] When proud hearts are humbled, God remembers His covenant. Real circumcision is of the heart, Romans 2:29.

These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the commandments of Yahweh, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own heart and your own eyes.

• [HEART] The tassels were a reminder not to chase whatever your own heart and eyes want. God knew the heart can lead you astray.

Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that Yahweh has given them?

• [HEART] The spies saw the good land and still discouraged the hearts of the people. Moses warns Reuben and Gad not to do it again.

This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land.

For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that Yahweh had given them.

But if from there you will seek Yahweh your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

• [HEART] If you seek God with all your heart and soul, you will find Him.

And you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

• [HEART] Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength.

These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.

• [HEART] These words are to be on your heart.

Remember that these forty years Yahweh your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.

• [HEART] God tested Israel in the desert to show what was really in their heart.

then your heart will become proud, and you will forget Yahweh your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

• [HEART] When you are full and rich, do not let your heart become proud and forget God.

Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

• [HEART] God tells Israel to cut away what covers their hearts and stop being stubborn. The heart, not just the body, has to belong to God.

But be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside to worship and bow down to other gods,

• [HEART] Be careful or your heart will be deceived and you will turn to other gods.

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

• [HEART] Fix these words in your hearts and minds.

Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to Yahweh against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

• [HEART] Do not let a selfish thought in your heart keep you from helping the poor. Give generously, and do not give with a grudging heart.

Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.

He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold.

• [HEART] A king must not collect many wives, or his heart will be led astray. It happened to Solomon, 1 Kings 11:3 to 4.

Yet to this day Yahweh has not given you a heart to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear.

• [HEART] After forty years of miracles, God had still not given them a heart to understand. Seeing is not the same as believing.

For it was of Yahweh to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

• [HEART] God hardened the hearts of the Canaanite kings so they would fight. Some see God confirming a choice they had already made, like Pharaoh's; others see His judgment at work.

But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you: to love Yahweh your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

• [HEART] Be careful to obey the law, and serve God with all your heart.

Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises Yahweh your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.

• [HEART] Joshua tells them to know it in all their hearts: not one of God's good promises failed.

“Now, therefore,” he said, “get rid of the foreign gods among you and incline your hearts to Yahweh, the God of Israel.”

• [HEART] Get rid of the foreign gods and turn your hearts to Yahweh. Idols in the tent mean a divided heart.

And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem, their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

• [HEART] The leaders of Shechem let their hearts lean toward Abimelech because he was family. He is our brother was all it took, and it ended in murder and fire.

“How can you say, ‘I love you,’” she asked, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!”

• [HEART] Delilah said Samson's heart was not with her, and he finally told her all that was in his heart. The secret he should have guarded cost him everything.

Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words and pleaded until he was sick to death,

Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.”

“My lord,” she said, “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken to the heart of your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.”

• [HEART] Ruth says Boaz spoke to her heart. In Hebrew that means he comforted her tenderly, the same words used for God's comfort to His people in Isaiah 40:2 and Hosea 2:14.

After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then Ruth went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

• [HEART] After the harvest meal Boaz's heart was merry. The Hebrew says his heart was good: full, happy and at peace after a hard day's work.

Hannah was praying in her heart, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was drunk

• [HEART] Hannah prayed in her heart. Her lips moved but no sound came out. God heard what Eli could not.

At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in Yahweh; my horn is exalted in Yahweh. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.

• [HEART] My heart rejoices in Yahweh. Hannah's song starts in her heart, not in her circumstances.

Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people out so they could go on their way?

• [HEART] The Philistines asked why they should harden their hearts like Pharaoh did.

Above all, fear Yahweh and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.

• [HEART] Fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart.

But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; Yahweh does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but Yahweh sees the heart.”

• [HEART] God does not judge by looks. He looks at the heart.

Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!”

• [HEART] Eliab said he knew the wickedness of David's heart. He judged his little brother's heart and got it wrong.

Afterward, David’s heart struck him because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.

• [HEART] David's heart struck him because he cut the corner of Saul's robe. A soft heart feels even small sins.

In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these events, and his heart failed within him, and he became like a stone.

• [HEART] Nabal's heart died within him, and he became like a stone. The man who hardened his heart toward David ended with a heart of stone.

As the ark of Yahweh was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before Yahweh, and she despised him in her heart.

• [HEART] Michal watched David dance before Yahweh, and she despised him in her heart. The joy was outside, the contempt was inside.

And Nathan replied to the king, “Go and do all that is in your heart, for Yahweh is with you.”

• [HEART] Nathan told David to do all that was in his heart. It was a good heart, but God had a different plan.

For the sake of Your word and according to Your own heart, You have accomplished this great thing and revealed it to Your servant.

• [HEART] God made His promise to David because of His own word and His own heart, not because David earned it.

For You, O Yahweh of Hosts, the God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant when You said, ‘I will build a house for you.’ Therefore Your servant has found his heart to offer this prayer to You.

• [HEART] David found his heart to pray this prayer. God's promise gave him the courage to ask.

Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

• [HEART] Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel with handshakes, kisses and promises.

Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”

• [HEART] The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom. The stolen hearts followed the thief.

After David had numbered the troops, David’s heart struck him and he said to Yahweh, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O Yahweh, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”

• [HEART] David's heart struck him after the census, the same words as when he cut Saul's robe, 1 Samuel 24:5.

Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

• [HEART] Solomon asked God for an understanding heart to judge the people.

be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men—

• [HEART] Only God knows every human heart, so He repays each person by what is inside.

So let your heart be fully devoted to Yahweh our God, as it is this day, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments.”

• [HEART] Solomon urged Israel to keep their hearts fully devoted to Yahweh. Sadly, his own heart did not stay that way, 11:4.

And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances,

• [HEART] God told Solomon to walk with integrity of heart like David.

The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

• [HEART] The whole world came to hear the wisdom God had put in Solomon's heart. The gift came from God, not from Solomon.

For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to Yahweh his God, as his father David had been.

• [HEART] Solomon's wives turned his heart away. His heart was not fully devoted like David's.

Now Yahweh grew angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from Yahweh, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.

• [HEART] Yahweh was angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away, even though God had appeared to him twice.

And Abijam walked in all the sins that his father before him had committed, and his heart was not as fully devoted to Yahweh his God as the heart of David his forefather had been.

• [HEART] Abijam's heart was not fully devoted to the Lord like David's.

Answer me, O Yahweh! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, Yahweh, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.”

• [HEART] Elijah prayed that the people would know God was turning their hearts back to Him. The fire was for their hearts.

But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my heart go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants?

• [HEART] Elisha's heart went with Gehazi. God's prophet saw what was done in secret.

When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot,

• [HEART] Jehu asked Jehonadab if his heart was true, as Jehu's heart was true to him.

Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of Yahweh, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit.

• [HEART] Jehu did some good things but was not careful to follow God with all his heart.

Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of Yahweh—the census money, the money from vows, and the money that comes into anyone’s heart to bring into the house of Yahweh.

• [HEART] Joash collected money that came into anyone's heart to give for the temple.

You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?”

• [HEART] Jehoash told Amaziah his heart had become proud after beating Edom. Pride came before his fall.

“Please, O Yahweh, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

• [HEART] Hezekiah prayed that he had walked before God faithfully, with his whole heart.

because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before Yahweh when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares Yahweh.

• [HEART] Josiah's heart was tender and he humbled himself when he heard God's word, so God heard him.

So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before Yahweh to follow Yahweh and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.

• [HEART] Josiah promised before Yahweh to keep His commands with all his heart and soul.

Neither before nor after Josiah was there any king like him, who turned to Yahweh with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses.

• [HEART] No king before or after Josiah turned to Yahweh with all his heart, soul and strength.

From Zebulun: 50,000 fit for service, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, who with an undivided heart were devoted to David.

• [HEART] Zebulun's 50,000 came to help David with an undivided heart, not a double heart.

All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one heart to make David king.

• [HEART] Israel's army came with a whole heart, and all Israel was of one heart to make David king.

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.

• [HEART] Let the hearts of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.

And Nathan replied to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.”

• [HEART] Nathan told David to do all that was in his heart, but God had a bigger plan.

Now set your heart and soul to seek Yahweh your God. Begin building the sanctuary of Yahweh God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of Yahweh and the holy articles of God into the temple that will be built for the Name of Yahweh.”

• [HEART] David told Israel's leaders to set their heart and soul to seek Yahweh.

Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of Yahweh and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it,

• [HEART] David wanted with all his heart to build God's house, but God gave the job to his son.

As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for Yahweh searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

• [HEART] David tells Solomon God searches every heart and knows every plan and thought.

And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to Yahweh freely and with a whole heart. And King David also rejoiced greatly.

• [HEART] The people rejoiced because they gave to Yahweh with a whole heart.

I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.

• [HEART] God tests the heart and is pleased when people give with honest motives.

O Yahweh, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this desire forever in the intentions of the hearts of Your people, and direct their hearts toward You.

• [HEART] David prayed that God would keep His people's hearts turned to Him and give Solomon a whole heart.

And give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and carry out all Your commandments, decrees, and statutes, and to build Your palace for which I have made provision.”

be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of men—

• [HEART] Solomon prayed: You alone know the hearts of men.

For I have now chosen and consecrated this temple so that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and My heart will be there for all time.

• [HEART] God said His eyes and His heart would be at His house for all time.

And Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart to seek Yahweh.

• [HEART] Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the Lord.

Then they entered into a covenant to seek Yahweh, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul.

• [HEART] Judah promised to seek Yahweh with all their heart and soul.

And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it with all their heart. They had sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So Yahweh gave them rest on every side.

• [HEART] They swore it with all their heart, sought God, and He was found by them.

The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days.

• [HEART] The high places stayed, but Asa's heart was fully devoted to God all his days.

For the eyes of Yahweh roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”

• [HEART] God looks all over the earth for people whose hearts are fully His.

And his heart took delight in the ways of Yahweh; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.

• [HEART] Jehoshaphat's heart took delight in Yahweh's ways, so he tore down the idols.

However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”

• [HEART] Jehoshaphat had some good in him because he set his heart to seek God.

And he did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, but not with a whole heart.

• [HEART] Amaziah did right, but not with a whole heart. Right actions with a wrong heart still fall short.

But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to Yahweh his God, for he entered the temple of Yahweh to burn incense on the altar of incense.

• [HEART] When Uzziah became strong, his heart grew proud and it ruined him.

who sets his heart on seeking God—Yahweh, the God of his fathers—even if he is not cleansed according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.”

• [HEART] Hezekiah prayed for everyone who set his heart on seeking God, even if he was not ceremonially clean.

He acted with all his heart in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law and the commandments, in order to seek his God. And so he prospered.

• [HEART] Hezekiah did God's work with all his heart, and he prospered.

Then Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart—he and the people of Jerusalem—so that the wrath of Yahweh did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.

• [HEART] Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart, so judgment was delayed.

And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart.

• [HEART] God left Hezekiah alone to test him and know everything in his heart.

because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its people, and because you have humbled yourself before Me and have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares Yahweh.

• [HEART] Josiah's heart was tender and he humbled himself, so God heard him.

So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before Yahweh to follow Yahweh and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book.

• [HEART] Josiah promised to keep God's commands with all his heart and soul.

He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to Yahweh, the God of Israel.

• [HEART] Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against the Lord.

For seven days they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread with joy, because Yahweh had made them joyful and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to strengthen their hands in the work on the house of the God of Israel.

• [HEART] Yahweh made them joyful and turned the king's heart toward them, so he helped with God's house.

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of Yahweh, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.

• [HEART] Ezra set his heart to study God's law, to do it, and to teach it. Know it, live it, share it.

Blessed be Yahweh, the God of our fathers, who has put into the heart of the king to so honor the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem,

• [HEART] Ezra praised God, who put it into the king's heart to honor His house.

I set out at night with a few men. I did not tell anyone what my God had laid on my heart to do for Jerusalem. The only animal with me was the one on which I was riding.

• [HEART] Nehemiah told no one what his God had put in his heart to do for Jerusalem.

Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:

• [HEART] God put it into Nehemiah's heart to gather the people and count the families.

You found his heart faithful before You, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites and Hittites, of the Amorites and Perizzites, of the Jebusites and Girgashites— to give it to his descendants. You have kept Your promise, because You are righteous.

• [HEART] God found Abraham's heart faithful and made a covenant with him.

That day Haman went out full of joy and glad of heart. At the king’s gate, however, he saw Mordecai, who did not rise or tremble in fear at his presence. And Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.

• [HEART] Haman went out glad of heart, then one man who would not bow filled him with rage. A proud heart is never satisfied, 5:13.

Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?” Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?”

• [HEART] Haman thought in his heart that the king could only mean him. Pride goes before destruction, Proverbs 16:18.

And when the days of feasting were over, Job would send for his children to purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.

• [HEART] Job offered sacrifices in case his children had cursed God in their hearts. He cared about what was inside, not only what people did.

As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him,

• [HEART] Zophar said, Direct your heart to God and lift up your hands to Him. Prayer starts with the heart.

Receive instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart.

• [HEART] Receive instruction from God's mouth and lay up His words in your heart.

I will cling to my righteousness and never let go. As long as I live, my heart will not reproach me.

• [HEART] Job said his heart would not reproach him as long as he lived. He knew his heart was right with God.

If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has followed my eyes, or if impurity has stuck to my hands,

• [HEART] Job asked to be judged if his heart had followed his eyes. What you keep looking at, your heart starts to want.

Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.

• [HEART] The righteous God tests hearts and minds.

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A Psalm of David. I will give thanks to Yahweh with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders.

• [HEART] I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart.

For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good.

• [HEART] The fool says in his heart, There is no God. Unbelief starts in the heart before it reaches the mouth.

He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart,

• [HEART] The one who may dwell with God speaks truth from his heart.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Yahweh, my Rock and my Redeemer.

• [HEART] Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart please You.

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.

• [HEART] Only those with clean hands and a pure heart may stand in God's holy place.

Yahweh is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.

• [HEART] The Lord is near the brokenhearted.

Delight yourself in Yahweh, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

• [HEART] Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?

• [HEART] God knows the secrets of the heart. Nothing is hidden from Him.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

• [HEART] Create in me a clean heart, O God.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

• [HEART] God wants a broken and contrite heart more than sacrifices.

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah

• [HEART] Trust Him at all times. Pour out your hearts before Him.

Place no trust in extortion or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

• [HEART] If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

• [HEART] If I cherish sin in my heart, the Lord will not listen.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

• [HEART] My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart.

They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.

• [HEART] Israel tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.

Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant.

• [HEART] Their heart was not loyal to God even when their mouths said the right things.

So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

• [HEART] David shepherded Israel with a heart of integrity.

Teach me Your way, O Yahweh, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.

• [HEART] Give me an undivided heart to fear Your name.

do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness,

• [HEART] Do not harden your hearts as Israel did in the desert.

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.

• [HEART] Blessed are those who seek Him with all their heart.

With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments.

• [HEART] I seek You with all my heart.

I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

• [HEART] I have hidden Your word in my heart so I might not sin against You.

Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.

• [HEART] Give me understanding so I can keep Your law with all my heart.

A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O Yahweh, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me.

• [HEART] My heart is not proud, Lord.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

• [HEART] David asks God to search his heart and show him what is really there.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;

• [HEART] Do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my commands.

Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

• [HEART] Write loyalty and faithfulness on the tablet of your heart.

Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

• [HEART] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.

• [HEART] Guard your heart above all else, because everything in your life flows from it.

Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.

• [HEART] Write God's commands on the tablet of your heart.

Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.

• [HEART] Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

• [HEART] Hope put off makes the heart sick.

A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

• [HEART] A heart at peace gives life to the body.

Sheol and Abaddon lie open before Yahweh— how much more the hearts of men!

• [HEART] If God can see into the grave, He can surely see into a human heart.

A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.

• [HEART] A glad heart makes a cheerful face.

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from Yahweh.

• [HEART] People make plans in their heart, but the answer comes from the Lord.

Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to Yahweh; be assured that he will not go unpunished.

• [HEART] Everyone proud in heart is detestable to the Lord.

A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh determines his steps.

• [HEART] A man plans his way in his heart, but the Lord directs his steps.

A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but Yahweh is the tester of hearts.

• [HEART] Fire tests gold and silver. God tests the heart.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

• [HEART] A joyful heart is good medicine.

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

• [HEART] Before destruction the heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of Yahweh will prevail.

• [HEART] There are many plans in a man's heart, but the Lord's purpose will stand.

The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

• [HEART] The purposes of a heart are like deep water. A wise person draws them out.

All a man’s ways seem right to him, but Yahweh weighs the heart.

• [HEART] We all think we are right. God weighs the heart.

for as he thinks within himself, so is he. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

• [HEART] A stingy man says eat and drink, but his heart is not with you. Words and heart can say two different things.

If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?

• [HEART] You cannot say you did not know. The One who weighs the heart knows the truth.

Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.

• [HEART] Smooth lips with an evil heart are like cheap glaze on clay.

As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the true man.

• [HEART] Water reflects your face. Your heart reflects who you really are.

Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

• [HEART] Whoever hardens his heart falls into trouble.

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

• [HEART] He who trusts in his own heart is a fool.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.

• [HEART] God has set eternity in the hearts of men. People long for more than this life because God made them that way.

It is better to enter a house of mourning than a house of feasting, since death is the end of every man, and the living should take this to heart.

• [HEART] The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning. Facing death makes the heart wise.

Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart.

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.

• [HEART] When punishment is slow, the hearts of men become set on doing evil.

This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead.

• [HEART] The hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they live.

Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

• [HEART] Let your heart be glad while you are young, but know that God will judge. Joy and judgment go together.

So banish sorrow from your heart, and cast off pain from your body, for youth and vigor are fleeting.

You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your neck.

• [HEART] You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride. One look and love takes over the heart.

I sleep, but my heart is awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking: “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.”

• [HEART] I sleep, but my heart is awake. Love keeps the heart listening for the one it loves.

Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the very flame of Yahweh.

• [HEART] Set me as a seal over your heart. True love belongs to one person and is stamped for keeps.

He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”

• [HEART] A deceived heart leads the idol maker astray.

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

• [HEART] God lives with the humble and revives the heart of the contrite.

Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

• [HEART] God promises leaders who love what He loves and feed His people with knowledge.

Circumcise yourselves to Yahweh, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”

• [HEART] Cut away what is hard and dead inside. God wants a changed heart, not just a mark on the body.

O Yahweh of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.

• [HEART] God judges fairly because He tests the heart and mind.

But You know me, O Yahweh; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage.

• [HEART] Jeremiah says God has seen him and tested his heart.

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

• [HEART] The heart is deceitful above all things. Who can understand it?

I, Yahweh, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

• [HEART] God searches the heart and repays people by what they did.

O Yahweh of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.

• [HEART] God sees the heart and mind of both the righteous and the wicked.

I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am Yahweh. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart.

• [HEART] God gives what people cannot make on their own: a heart that knows Him.

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

• [HEART] You will find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them.

• [HEART] God will give His people one heart and one way, so they will always fear Him.

Arise, cry out in the night from the first watch of the night. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children who are fainting from hunger on the corner of every street.

• [HEART] Pour out your heart like water before the Lord. God wants your honest tears, not a brave face.

For He does not afflict from His heart or grieve the sons of men.

• [HEART] God does not hurt people from His heart. Even when He disciplines, it is not what He wants most.

Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:

• [HEART] Lift up your hearts and your hands to God. Real prayer comes from the inside out.

Then in the nations to which they have been carried captive, your survivors will remember Me—how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts that turned away from Me, and by their eyes that lusted after idols. So they will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their abominations.

• [HEART] God says He was grieved by their unfaithful hearts. Sin does not just break rules; it breaks God's heart.

And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh,

• [HEART] God promises to take out a heart of stone and give a heart of flesh, one heart that can feel and obey.

“Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way?

• [HEART] These men set up idols in their hearts. Idolatry starts on the inside.

Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?

• [HEART] Throw away your sins and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die?

So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.

• [HEART] They listen to the prophet, but their heart chases after greed.

Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.

• [HEART] They hear your words like a pretty song but do not put them into practice.

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.

• [HEART] Daniel decided in his heart not to defile himself, before the pressure came. Faithfulness starts on the inside.

But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him.

• [HEART] Nebuchadnezzar's heart grew proud and hard, so God took his throne.

But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this.

• [HEART] Belshazzar knew what happened to Nebuchadnezzar but did not humble his heart. Knowing is not the same as changing.

“Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

• [HEART] From the first day Daniel set his heart to understand and humble himself, his prayer was heard.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her and lead her to the wilderness, and speak to her heart.

• [HEART] God will lead His unfaithful bride into the wilderness and speak to her heart. He wins her back with tenderness.

Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek Yahweh until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain.

• [HEART] Hard ground has to be broken before seed can grow. A hard heart has to be broken open before God's word can take root.

How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!

• [HEART] God's own heart is turned within Him. His people deserve judgment, but His compassion will not let them go.

“Yet even now,” declares Yahweh, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.”

• [HEART] Even now, after the disaster, God says come back with your whole heart. It is never too late to return.

So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to Yahweh your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

• [HEART] Tear your hearts, not your clothes. God wants real repentance, not a show.

Even the most stout of heart among the mighty men will flee naked on that day,” declares Yahweh.

• [HEART] Even the bravest, the strong of heart, will run when God judges. Courage is no shelter from God.

They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that Yahweh of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from Yahweh of Hosts.

• [HEART] They made their hearts as hard as flint so they would not hear the law.

If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to honor My name,” says Yahweh of Hosts, “I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already begun to curse them, because you are not taking it to heart.

• [HEART] The priests heard God's word but did not take it to heart. God wants His honor to matter to us on the inside, not just in what we do.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

• [HEART] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

• [HEART] Jesus says lust in the heart is already adultery. Sin starts inside before it shows outside.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• [HEART] Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?

• [HEART] Jesus knew their thoughts and asked why they were thinking evil in their hearts.

You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

• [HEART] The mouth speaks what fills the heart.

When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

• [HEART] When someone hears the word and does not understand, the evil one snatches what was sown in his heart.

But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man.

• [HEART] What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and that is what defiles a person.

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.

• [HEART] Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, theft and lies all start in the heart.

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning.

• [HEART] Jesus says Moses permitted divorce because your hearts were hard.

Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

• [HEART] Jesus names this the greatest commandment: love God with all your heart.

This is the first and greatest commandment.

• [HEART] This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself. A heart that loves God will love people.

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored.

• [HEART] Jesus was grieved by the hardness of their hearts.

for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts had been hardened.

• [HEART] The disciples missed the lesson of the loaves because their hearts were hardened.

For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,

• [HEART] Jesus says evil thoughts and every evil on this list come from within, out of the heart.

greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.

All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”

Aware of their conversation, Jesus asked them, “Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have such hard hearts?

• [HEART] Jesus asks, are your hearts still hardened?

But Jesus told them, “Moses wrote this commandment for you because of your hardness of heart.

• [HEART] Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of your hearts.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

• [HEART] Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Later, as they were eating, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

• [HEART] Jesus rebuked the eleven for their unbelief and hardness of heart.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

• [HEART] Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart.

Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

• [HEART] Mary kept all these things in her heart.

Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?

• [HEART] Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked why they questioned in their hearts.

The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

• [HEART] Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop.

• [HEART] The good soil is a noble and good heart that hears the word, holds it, and bears fruit.

But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him.

• [HEART] Jesus knew the thoughts of their hearts when they argued about who was greatest.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• [HEART] Your heart follows your treasure.

That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.

• [HEART] The servant who knew his master's will and did not do it gets the greater punishment.

But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.

• [HEART] To whom much is given, much will be required.

So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.

• [HEART] People can look good to others, but God knows the heart.

But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.

• [HEART] Watch yourselves so your hearts are not weighed down by partying, drunkenness and worry.

Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

• [HEART] Jesus calls the disciples slow of heart to believe what the prophets said.

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

• [HEART] Were not our hearts burning while He opened the Scriptures to us?

“If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

• [HEART] Jesus says if you were blind you would have no sin, but because you say you see, your guilt remains.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.

• [HEART] Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God and in Me.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

• [HEART] Jesus gives His peace. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.

• [HEART] Jesus says once He came and spoke to them, they had no excuse for their sin.

And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen

• [HEART] The apostles pray to the Lord who knows every heart before choosing Matthias.

You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God.

• [HEART] Simon wanted to buy God's power. Peter says his heart is not right before God.

Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.

• [HEART] Peter tells Simon to repent and pray that the intent of his heart be forgiven.

Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

• [HEART] The Lord opened Lydia's heart to respond to Paul's message.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.

• [HEART] They knew God but did not honor Him, so their foolish hearts were darkened.

But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

• [HEART] A hard and unrepentant heart stores up wrath for the day of judgment.

So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them

• [HEART] Even people without the law have it written on their hearts. Their conscience tells them.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

• [HEART] God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.

• [HEART] You obeyed from the heart the teaching you were given.

And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

• [HEART] God searches our hearts and knows what the Spirit is praying for us.

For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

• [HEART] Smooth talkers deceive the hearts of the naive.

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

• [HEART] When the Lord comes He will expose the motives of the heart.

It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

• [HEART] You are a letter from Christ, written on hearts of flesh, not stone.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

• [HEART] God made His light shine in our hearts to show the glory of Christ.

Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

• [HEART] Give what you decided in your heart, not by pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

• [HEART] God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying Abba, Father.

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,

• [HEART] Paul prays that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.

• [HEART] The Gentiles are cut off from God because of the hardness of their hearts.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,

• [HEART] Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• [HEART] The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.

• [HEART] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

• [HEART] Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

• [HEART] Work with a sincere heart, not just when the boss is watching.

Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.

• [HEART] Paul preaches to please God, who tests our hearts, not to please people.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

• [HEART] May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love.

The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.

• [HEART] The goal of our teaching is love from a pure heart.

Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

• [HEART] Run after righteousness with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God.

• [HEART] See that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from God.

As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.”

• [HEART] Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

• [HEART] God's word judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them.

• [HEART] It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace.

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.

• [HEART] Do not just listen to the word and fool yourselves. Do what it says.

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

• [HEART] A religious man who cannot control his tongue deceives his own heart.

But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.

• [HEART] If you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not brag about it.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

• [HEART] Purify your hearts, you double minded.

Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.

• [HEART] Anyone who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, sins.

Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.

• [HEART] Love one another deeply from a pure heart.

but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

• [HEART] True beauty is the hidden person of the heart.

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

• [HEART] Set apart Christ as Lord in your hearts, then give your answer.

Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed.

• [HEART] False teachers have trained their hearts in greed, like an athlete in training.

And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence:

• [HEART] We assure our hearts before God.

Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.

• [HEART] Even when our heart condemns us, God is greater and knows everything.

Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,

• [HEART] A heart that does not condemn us gives confidence.

Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

• [HEART] Jesus says He searches minds and hearts and repays each one for their deeds.

For God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by uniting to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.

• [HEART] God put it into the hearts of the ten kings to carry out His purpose.

As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’

• [HEART] Babylon says in her heart, I sit as queen; I will never see grief.