• Matthew 15:18-19
    But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
     
  • Proverbs 4:23
    Keep your heart with all diligence,
    For out of it spring the issues of life.

     
  • Mark 7:21-23
    For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
     
  • Romans 8:7
    Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
     
  • Matthew 5:27-28
    "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
     
  • Matthew 12:34
    Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
     
  • Romans 7:15-23
    For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Heart as Source of Action


Resources

The Pure in Heart

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The heart, as understood in both the Old and New Testaments, serves as the core of a person's inner being, encompassing personality, character, intellect, memory, emotions, desire, and will. It is the source from which a person's words and actions spring, reflecting either a God-directed or God-rejecting nature. As highlighted …


Guarding Our Vulnerable Hearts

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

The heart is central and vital to our existence, much like the human heart that sustains life by pumping blood. In Scripture, the term heart often speaks metaphorically of the inner person and the spiritual life, encompassing the mind, emotions, will, and even the whole person. Its frequent mention underscores God's deep concern …


The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Seven): The Sin and Trespass Offerings

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The heart is often seen as the source of actions that lead us astray, revealing the deep-seated struggles within human nature. As we grow in discernment, we become increasingly aware of sin's presence within ourselves—envy, jealousy, anger, and even rage and hatred simmer just below the surface, ready to manifest in …


Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eighteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We accept most of our opinions, prejudices, and beliefs unconsciously. We must scrutinize our own beliefs through the principles of God's Holy Scriptures.


Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

To keep us secure from the temptations of the world, we must embrace our metaphorical sister, Wisdom, keeping us focused on our relationship with God.


Purifying the Heart

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus advises a repentant Christian to attack sexual sin at its starting point, making it less about sinful acts than about an immoral way of thinking.


Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Eight): Death

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 highlight the Bible's attitude toward death, particularly its insistence that we allow the reality of death to change our approach to life.


God is the Strength of My Heart

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Only by combining the head, heart, and will can we attain full growth and maturity, godly character, and a mirror image of Jesus Christ.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Heart as Source of Action