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What does the Bible say about protecting your heart?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers must diligently guard their hearts by trusting God, resisting sin, and seeking the inward purity that flows from saving faith in Christ. Proverbs 4:23 calls the heart the wellspring of life, so its desires, thoughts, and affections require watchful care. James 4:7-8 urges humble submission to God and resistance to the devil, while Galatians 5:16 directs Christians to walk by the Spirit rather than gratify the flesh. Philippians 4:6-7 and Isaiah 26:3 show that prayerful trust fixes the mind on God and brings His guarding peace. Matthew 5:8 reminds us that the pure in heart are blessed, and James 3:13-18 commends the wisdom that is peaceable, humble, and sincere.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Proverbs 4:23

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

  • James 4:7-8

    [7] Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

  • Philippians 4:6

    In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

  • Isaiah 26:3

    You will keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on you]; because he trusts in you.

  • Philippians 4:7

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

  • Matthew 5:8

    Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

  • Galatians 5:16

    But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.

  • Psalms 91:14-16

    [14] "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name. [15] He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. [16] I will satisfy him with long life, And show him my salvation."

  • James 3:13-18

    [13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [18] Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

  • Psalms 91:1-16

    [1] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of Yahweh, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust." [3] For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. [5] You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day; [6] Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. [7] A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it will not come near you. [8] You will only look with your eyes, And see the recompense of the wicked. [9] Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, And the Most High your dwelling place, [10] No evil shall happen to you, Neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. [11] For he will give his angels charge over you, To guard you in all your ways. [12] They will bear you up in their hands, So that you won't dash your foot against a stone. [13] You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot. [14] "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name. [15] He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. [16] I will satisfy him with long life, And show him my salvation."

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