Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of human emotion, thought, and will. A renewed heart signifies a transformation that aligns one's inner being with the will and wisdom of God. This transformation is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of wisdom as a hallmark of a renewed heart.
Renewal of the HeartThe renewal of the heart is a divine act, often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit. In
Ezekiel 36:26, God promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This renewal is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental transformation of one's inner nature, enabling a person to live in accordance with God's statutes and judgments.
Wisdom as a Fruit of RenewalA renewed heart is characterized by wisdom, which is highly valued in Scripture.
Proverbs 2:10-11 states, "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you." Here, wisdom is depicted as entering the heart, suggesting that it becomes an integral part of one's being, guiding decisions and actions.
The Role of Wisdom in the Life of BelieversWisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life.
James 3:17 describes the wisdom from above as "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." This wisdom reflects the character of a renewed heart, demonstrating qualities that are pleasing to God and beneficial to others.
The Pursuit of WisdomBelievers are encouraged to seek wisdom as a vital aspect of their spiritual growth.
Proverbs 4:7 advises, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." The pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey that requires diligence and a humble reliance on God.
The Connection Between Wisdom and RighteousnessA wise heart is closely linked to righteousness. In
Proverbs 10:8, it is written, "The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin." This verse highlights the obedience and humility that accompany wisdom, contrasting it with the folly of those who reject divine instruction.
The Example of SolomonKing Solomon is often cited as an exemplar of wisdom in the Bible. When God offered him anything he desired, Solomon chose wisdom to govern the people effectively. In
1 Kings 3:12, God responds, "Behold, I have done as you requested. I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall anyone like you arise after you." Solomon's request and God's response underscore the value of wisdom as a gift from God, integral to a renewed heart.
ConclusionThe renewed heart, marked by wisdom, is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. It reflects a life aligned with divine principles, characterized by understanding, discernment, and a commitment to righteousness. Through the pursuit of wisdom, believers are equipped to navigate the complexities of life, honoring God in all they do.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Kings 3:9,12Give therefore your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this your so great a people?
Nave's Topical Index1 Kings 4:29
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
Nave's Topical Index
Job 9:4
He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who has hardened himself against him, and has prospered?
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 11:29
He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of him that has understanding: but that which is in the middle of fools is made known.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 23:15
My son, if your heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
He Illustrates the Apostle's Saying, "I Will Destroy the Wisdom of ...
... that the cause of their hardness of heart may not ... I will destroy the wisdom of the
wise," declares Him ... the new man, which after God is renewed in righteousness ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xviii he illustrates the apostles.htm
The Deceitfulness of the Human Heart
... if not every individual) are very wise; Secondly, that men ... are become new." So that
his heart is no longer desperately wicked, but "renewed in righteousness ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 123 the deceitfulness of.htm
A New Heart.
... I have given thee a wise and understanding heart, and I ... of the region of fleshly
influences, is renewed in every ... you are living with a dull or darkened heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xvii a new heart.htm
And Thou, Willing First to Show Me How Thou Resistest the Proud...
... of wisdom abiding in them, they are renewed, so as ... For Thou hiddest these things
from the wise, and revealedst ... because He is meek and lowly in heart; and the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter ix and thou willing.htm
The Monk of Thagaste
... not feel either the overflowing energy swelling his heart renewed by Grace ... the project
he had had so long at heart. ... how human all that is, and wise"yes, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iii the monk of thagaste.htm
Prayer Born of Compassion
... But spiritual compassion, the kind born in a renewed heart, which is ... "Brethren, my
heart's desire and ... Him as sovereign and moves Him to His wise and holy ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/x prayer born of compassion.htm
First, I am to Consider what the Keeping of the Heart Supposes and ...
... constant care and diligence of such a renewed man to ... 1. Frequent observation of the
frame of the heart. ... heathen could say, "the soul is made wise by sitting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/first i am to consider.htm
The Wisdom of God
... God is wise; he sees it good sometimes that we should be ... 12:2. It is hard to have
the heart low when ... outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 the wisdom of god.htm
The King after Man's Heart
... last token of friendship, a last appeal to his heart? ... of deliverance, a relapse,
punishment, a renewed cry to ... lives are guarded by strong and wise hands, have ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm
To Pastors and Teachers
... and the face of the Church would be wholly renewed. ... because He knows it proceeds
from the heart, than by a ... the secrets of his kingdom from the wise and prudent ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter xxiii to pastors and.htm
Resources
What is the Sacred Heart of Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to guard your heart? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the heart? | GotQuestions.orgHeart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus