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What does the Bible say about following your heart?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that we should not follow our hearts as ultimate guides, but trust the Lord, submit to His wisdom, and let His Word govern our desires. Jeremiah 17:9 warns that the heart is deceitful, while Proverbs 3:5-7 calls us to acknowledge God rather than lean on our own understanding. Jesus teaches that sinful thoughts and actions arise from within the heart in Matthew 15:19, so our deepest need is renewal by grace. Proverbs 4:23 therefore urges careful watchfulness over the heart. Yet God is not opposed to true joy: Psalm 37:4 promises that those who delight in the Lord receive desires shaped by Him. Through faith in Christ, God strengthens failing hearts and directs them in His paths.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Jeremiah 17:9

    The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?

  • Proverbs 3:5-7

    [5] Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, And don't lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will direct your paths. [7] Don't be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.

  • Luke 12:34

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

  • Matthew 15:19

    For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.

  • Psalms 37:4

    Also delight yourself in Yahweh, And he will give you the desires of your heart.

  • Proverbs 28:26

    One who trusts in himself is a fool; But one who walks in wisdom, he is kept safe.

  • Proverbs 4:23

    Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it is the wellspring of life.

  • Romans 10:10

    For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

  • Psalms 73:26

    My flesh and my heart fails, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:9

    Rejoice, young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, And 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 into judgment.

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