26 Scriptures on the Heart (KJV)

The heart holds a significant place in Scripture, often seen as the center of a person’s emotions, thoughts, will, and soul. In the Bible, the heart is not just a physical organ but also a spiritual metaphor that encapsulates who we are in our innermost being. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible speaks to the condition of the heart, its desires, and its influence on one’s relationship with God.

In the King James Version (KJV), there are numerous verses that emphasize the importance of the heart and the necessity of guarding it. The Scriptures provide guidance on how to purify the heart, align it with God’s will, and seek His truth for our lives. Below are 26 powerful scriptures that speak to the heart, offering insights on its importance and how we should steward it.

1. Proverbs 4:23

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

This verse is a strong reminder to guard our hearts. Everything we do, think, or say flows from the heart. Therefore, it is essential to protect it from negative influences and distractions that may lead us astray.

2. Matthew 5:8

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

A pure heart is one that is free from sin, deceit, and malice. Jesus promises that those who maintain a pure heart will experience a closer relationship with God and, ultimately, will see Him.

3. Jeremiah 17:9

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

This verse warns us about the corrupt nature of the human heart. Without God’s guidance, our hearts can lead us into wickedness and deception. It emphasizes our need for God to transform and purify our hearts.

4. Psalm 51:10

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

David’s heartfelt prayer after his sin with Bathsheba shows the importance of seeking God for a clean heart. When our hearts are stained by sin, it is only God who can cleanse and renew them.

5. Matthew 12:34

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

Jesus highlights that what comes out of our mouths reflects the state of our hearts. If our hearts are filled with evil, our words will be evil, but if our hearts are full of goodness, our words will reflect that.

6. Proverbs 23:7

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

The heart is not only the seat of emotions but also of thoughts and attitudes. What we think about in our hearts ultimately shapes who we are and how we behave.

7. Ezekiel 36:26

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

This is a promise of redemption. When we turn to God, He removes our hardened hearts and replaces them with hearts that are tender, responsive, and able to receive His love and guidance.

8. Proverbs 4:23

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Our hearts shape every part of our lives. Therefore, we must protect them from negative influences, ensuring that we remain faithful to God and His will.

9. Romans 10:9

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Belief in the heart is essential for salvation. It is through the heart that we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, marking the beginning of our relationship with God.

10. Matthew 6:21

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

Our hearts are closely connected to what we value most. If we treasure worldly things, our hearts will be drawn to them. But if we treasure the things of God, our hearts will seek after Him.

11. Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

God is close to those who are humble and brokenhearted. When our hearts are crushed by sin, sorrow, or hardship, God is near to heal, comfort, and restore.

12. Psalm 23:1-3

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.”

God’s care for our hearts is like a shepherd leading His sheep to peaceful places. He restores our hearts when they are weary or burdened.

13. Romans 5:5

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts, which helps us endure hardships and hold on to hope in Christ.

14. Matthew 15:18-19

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

Jesus teaches that sin originates from the heart, demonstrating how important it is to guard and purify our hearts in order to avoid defilement.

15. Proverbs 23:15

“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.”

When our hearts are aligned with God’s wisdom, it brings joy not only to us but to those who care about us, including God Himself.

16. 1 Samuel 16:7

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

God’s focus is on the heart, not on external appearances. He values the integrity, purity, and intentions of the heart over superficial qualities.

17. Luke 6:45

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

Our words and actions flow from what is stored in our hearts. To produce good things, we must cultivate good in our hearts.

18. Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Trusting God with all our hearts leads to His guidance and direction. It is a surrender of our own understanding to His divine wisdom.

19. Isaiah 55:7

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

Repentance begins with the heart. When we turn to God with a sincere heart, He forgives and cleanses us from our unrighteousness.

20. Proverbs 21:2

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.”

God sees beyond our self-justifications and discerns the true motives of our hearts. This should inspire humility and a desire to live righteously before Him.

21. Psalm 139:23-24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

This prayer asks God to examine our hearts, revealing any areas that need purification. It’s a surrender to His transforming work.

22. Mark 7:21-23

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

Jesus stresses that the heart is the source of all evil actions. Therefore, the heart must be continually renewed and sanctified.

23. Deuteronomy 6:5

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

This is the greatest commandment, calling us to give God our entire heart, soul, and strength. Our love for God should dominate our hearts and guide our actions.

24. Psalm 119:11

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

The psalmist reveals the power of Scripture in guarding the heart. By hiding God’s word in our hearts, we are equipped to resist sin.

25. Proverbs 2:10

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul.”

Wisdom from God brings peace and joy to our hearts, guiding us toward righteous living.

26. 1 Peter 3:15

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

Our hearts must be sanctified and set apart for God, making us prepared to witness and live in a way that honors Him.

Conclusion

The heart is a powerful and central theme in Scripture. From guarding it to seeking God’s wisdom and purity, our hearts are the wellspring of life. Through the Scriptures, we are reminded to keep our hearts aligned with God’s will, surrendering our desires and trusting in His transformative power. Let us continually pray for clean hearts, pure motives, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us in all things.