What does "every inclination of the thoughts" reveal about human nature? Scripture Focus “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.” — Genesis 6:5, Berean Standard Bible Key Words and Phrases • “every” – without exception; no corner of the inner life is exempt • “inclination” – bent, leaning, or tendency; the default direction of the heart • “thoughts” – plans, deliberations, meditations of the mind • “altogether evil” – entirely corrupt, lacking any mixture of good • “all the time” – ongoing, continual, not momentary What It Reveals About Human Nature • Universal corruption: humanity’s inner compass is pointed away from God by default. • Totality of sin: sin pervades not just actions but the very motives and reasonings. • Persistence of evil: ungodly thinking is continuous apart from divine intervention. • Need for grace: left to ourselves, we cannot self-correct; redemption must come from outside us. • Accountability: God observes the heart, not merely outward behavior. Historical Context • Pre-Flood world had advanced in technology and culture, yet moral decay was rampant. • Genesis portrays a literal global judgment, highlighting the seriousness of inward sin. • Noah found favor not because he was sinless but because God extended grace amid universal depravity. Comparison with Other Passages • Psalm 51:5 – humanity conceived in sin confirms inherited corruption. • Jeremiah 17:9 – the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, echoing Genesis 6:5. • Romans 3:10-18 – no one righteous, reinforcing the comprehensive diagnosis of sin. Practical Takeaways • Recognize the depth of the problem: reform alone can’t cure a heart bent toward evil. • Rely on regeneration: only a new heart promised in Ezekiel 36:26 can reverse the inclination. • Cultivate vigilance: even redeemed believers must guard thoughts, taking them captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Celebrate grace: the darker the diagnosis, the brighter the gospel that rescues and renews. |
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