In Their Hearts

Introduction

In the New American Standard Bible (Update), the expression “in my heart” occurs in 13 verses, “in your heart” in 43 verses, “in his heart” in 29 verses, and “in their heart(s)” in 23 verses.

The following is not an exhaustive listing, but representative of the positive and negative application of the phrase.

The Hearts of the Wicked

Filled with Deceit (Proverbs 26:23-28; Romans 16:17-18)

Filled with Doubt (Psalm 78:17-22) Filled with Denial (Psalm 14:1-3; Romans 1:18-20) Filled with Evil (Psalm 140:1-5; Proverbs 6:12-15) Filled with Idols (Ezekiel 14:1-8) Filled with Innovations (1 Kings 12:25-33) Filled with Lusts (Proverbs 6:24-29; Matthew 5:27-30) Filled with Pride (Obadiah 1-4; James 3:13-18)

The Heart of the Righteous

Honest (Psalm 15:1-5). Joyous (Psalm 4:6-8). Obedient (Psalm 37:30-31; 40:6-8; 119:9-11,

33-34). Peaceful (Colossians 3:15-16). Reflexive (Psalm 4:4-5; 19:14; 49:1-4; 77:1-6). Reverent (Jeremiah 32:36-41). Upright (Psalm 7:8-11; 125:1-5). Zealous (Jeremiah 20:7-9; 1 Peter 3:13-16).

Conclusion

Sinful men turn aside in their hearts (Psalm 95:6-11; Hebrews 3:7-11).

Will you be self-satisfied and stagnant (Hosea 7:1-11; Zephaniah 1:12-13)?

Will you be responsive and obedient (Ephesians 3:14-19; 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)?