Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the heart in biblical literature often symbolizes the inner life of a person, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. In its unregenerate state, the heart is frequently depicted as proud and rebellious against God. This pride is a fundamental aspect of human sinfulness and is addressed throughout Scripture.
Pride as a Defining Trait of the Unregenerate HeartThe unregenerate heart is characterized by an inherent pride that sets itself against the knowledge and authority of God. This pride is not merely an external behavior but a deep-seated condition of the heart.
Proverbs 16:5 states, "Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished." This verse underscores the severity with which God views pride, indicating that it is an abomination to Him.
Biblical Examples of Proud HeartsThroughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals and nations whose unregenerate hearts led them to prideful rebellion. In the Old Testament, Pharaoh's heart is repeatedly described as hardened and proud, refusing to acknowledge the sovereignty of God despite witnessing His mighty acts (
Exodus 7:13-14). Similarly, the pride of Babylon is condemned in
Isaiah 13:19 , "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah."
The Consequences of PrideThe Scriptures warn of the dire consequences that befall those with proud hearts.
Proverbs 16:18 declares, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This principle is vividly illustrated in the narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar, whose pride led to his temporary downfall and madness until he acknowledged God's sovereignty (
Daniel 4:30-37).
God's Opposition to the ProudGod's opposition to the proud is a consistent theme in Scripture.
James 4:6 affirms, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The unregenerate heart, in its pride, stands in direct opposition to God, and thus, cannot receive His grace until it is humbled and transformed.
The Call to HumilityThe Bible calls for a transformation of the heart from pride to humility. This transformation is possible only through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit.
Ezekiel 36:26 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 new heart is characterized by humility and submission to God, contrasting sharply with the proud heart of the unregenerate.
ConclusionThe unregenerate heart is marked by pride, a condition that leads to rebellion against God and ultimately to destruction. The biblical narrative consistently warns against the dangers of pride and calls for a heart transformed by the grace of God, characterized by humility and obedience.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 14:10You have indeed smitten Edom, and your heart has lifted you up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why should you meddle to your hurt, that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you?
Nave's Topical Index2 Chronicles 25:19
You say, See, you have smitten the Edomites; and your heart lifts you up to boast: abide now at home; why should you meddle to your hurt, that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you?
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Psalm 101:5
Whoever privately slanders his neighbor, him will I cut off: him that has an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
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Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
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Proverbs 28:25
He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife: but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
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Jeremiah 48:29
We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogance, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.
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Jeremiah 49:16
Your terribleness has deceived you, and the pride of your heart, O you that dwell in the clefts of the rock, that hold the height of the hill: though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there, said the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Be not Deceived; God is not Mocked.
... foolishness." That is Christ's own statement regarding the unregenerate heart. ... Heart
and hand, to the last, clinging to his ... A man may be proud, and his very ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter ii be not deceived.htm
Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... Philippians 3:19,) for having your heart on earth ... on his Spirit, is still in an
unregenerate state. ... in religion, you will quickly, with the proud youth that are ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse i of the character.htm
A Picture of Conversion. 2 Kings ii. 19-22.
... I.--- WE HAVE A PICTURE OF AN UNREGENERATE HEART. ... Is there this combination of beauty
and bitterness"men who are courageous but proud, women that are ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/lvii a picture of conversion.htm
Evidences of Regeneration.
... views as a standard, and denounce as proud and selfish ... but does not in fact forsake
it, in his heart. ... certain than of his regenerate or unregenerate state; and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxx evidences of regeneration.htm
A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
... God, and the unholy nature of carnal and unregenerate men ... Had you now a heart to
turn from your sins ... how he found favor with God, when the proud, self-conceited ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/a penitent heart the best.htm
Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... shall be lovers of their ownselves, covetous, proud, blasphemers, disobedient ... sensible
of the bitter enmity of the heart of every unregenerate man against ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm
Enmity Between Man and Satan
... self-denial and sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof to a proud, sensual people ...
In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin and a disposition to cherish ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 30 enmity between man.htm
Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... self-denial and sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof to a proud, sensual people ...
In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin, and a disposition to cherish ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm
On Sin in Believers
... No; but some pride and anger may be in that heart, where there ... But he is not proud
or self-willed in the same sense that ... Herein he differs from unregenerate men ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 13 on sin in.htm
Christ's Prophetic Office
... cannot command obedience: they teach to be humble, but men remain proud. ... The veil
is upon his heart. ... in which a sinner is, while in an unregenerate state, is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 christs prophetic office.htm
Resources
What are the causes and solutions for a hardened heart? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it says that we will receive a new heart? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is circumcision of the heart? | GotQuestions.orgHeart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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