The heart is a complex thing. We can’t fully understand someone else’s heart because we can only see their actions, not their true intentions. Surprisingly, we can’t even fully understand our own hearts. The Bible tells us our hearts are deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9).
To understand our hearts, we must seek wisdom from our Creator. God’s Word offers guidance on this topic. Here are five things to help us understand our hearts better:
1. Humble Heart
Proverbs 15:11: “ Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?”
God knows everything and everyone. To understand our heart, we must first understand who God is. Recognizing our sinful nature and our need for Jesus allows us to change our hearts from the inside out. A humble heart acknowledges sin and seeks forgiveness.
2. Scornful Heart
Proverbs 15:12: “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.”
The Bible says the wise love correction, but a scornful heart hates it. A quick way to know if you have a scornful heart is how you respond to correction. If you reject it or get upset, you have a scornful heart.
And the opposite is true too! If you love the person who corrects you, you are wise.
3. Happy Heart
Proverbs 15:13: “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
A happy heart brings joy to our faces. How do you look? Are you often cheerful or upset? A happy heart reflects in a cheerful countenance.
4. Understanding Heart
Proverbs 15:14: “The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.”
No one likes to think they are foolish. An understanding heart seeks wisdom. Do you seek out knowledge? If you avoid learning and asking questions, it is a sign of foolishness.
5. Joyful Heart
Proverbs 15:15: “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”
Life is full of challenges, but also full of blessings. A joyful heart focuses on the good, seeing God’s blessings even in difficult times. Without Christ, it’s easy to focus only on the bad.
Understanding our hearts is a journey that starts with seeking God. By examining our responses and attitudes, we can gain insight into our own hearts and grow closer to God.
