Topical Bible: The Heart: He That Trusts In, is a Fool

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The concept of the heart in biblical literature is rich and multifaceted, often symbolizing the center of human emotion, will, and intellect. In the Scriptures, the heart is frequently depicted as the seat of moral and spiritual life. However, the Bible also warns against the folly of trusting in one's own heart, emphasizing the deceitful nature of human inclinations apart from divine guidance.

Biblical Warnings Against Trusting the Heart

The Bible explicitly cautions against placing trust in one's own heart, highlighting the inherent deceitfulness and wickedness that can reside within. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse underscores the idea that the human heart, in its natural state, is prone to self-deception and moral corruption.

Proverbs 28:26 further reinforces this warning: "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe." This proverb contrasts the folly of self-reliance with the safety found in wisdom, which is often equated with the fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments.

The Heart's Deceptive Nature

The deceptive nature of the heart is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In Mark 7:21-23 , Jesus Himself teaches about the defiling nature of the heart: "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." This passage illustrates the potential for evil that resides within the human heart, further emphasizing the danger of trusting in it.

The Call to Trust in God

In contrast to trusting in one's own heart, Scripture consistently calls believers to place their trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage encourages reliance on divine wisdom rather than human understanding, promising guidance and direction for those who trust in the Lord.

Psalm 37:4-5 also highlights the blessings of trusting in God: "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it." Here, the psalmist assures believers that aligning their desires with God's will leads to fulfillment and divine intervention.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The New Testament further reveals the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in renewing the heart. Romans 8:5-6 explains, "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace." Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to overcome the deceitfulness of the heart and live in accordance with God's will.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on the heart is clear: while it is the center of human emotion and decision-making, it is also prone to deceit and folly when left to its own devices. The Scriptures consistently warn against trusting in one's own heart, urging believers to place their trust in God and seek His wisdom. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the heart can be transformed, aligning with the divine purposes and leading to a life of righteousness and peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 28:26
He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Again, Christ, after his Glorification in Heaven, Says, "Behold I ...
... have an end; and he that in time trusts to anything ... and power of God working in his
heart, will be ... dies only fully stuffed with human learning, as he who dies ...
/.../address 44 0 0 again christ after.htm

The Heath in the Desert and the Tree by the River
... he that fears let him trust; he that trusts let him ... He that sets his heart and anchors
his hopes of safety on any ... stern world, and if he is not fearful he is a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heath in the desert.htm

Under the Trials of this Life.
... God's guardian care; Who loves the Saviour, trusts in God ... child is still, Although
his father's rod he feel. Dear heart, chase all thy fears away, On thy God's ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/under the trials of this.htm

Faustus Asserts that Even if the Old Testament could be Shown to ...
... blessing in similar style on him that trusts in God ... would learn to utter from a
guileless heart the words ... A glorious high throne is our sanctuary," he seems to ...
/.../faustus asserts that even if.htm

Keeping and Kept
... 'He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down and ... and to
'trust in the Lord with all thine heart.' The heart that so trusts will be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/keeping and kept.htm

The Cause of Spiritual Stupidity.
... He who trusts can understand; he whose mind is set ... of knowledge, but things lifting
up the heart, things active ... If they are, then he is foolish who would treat ...
/.../macdonald/unspoken sermons/the cause of spiritual stupidity.htm

Even Now
... have returned long ago; but blessed be his love, which "even now" waits to clasp
you to his heart! ... And trusts in his crucified God ... His pardon at one he receives ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/even now.htm

The First and Great Commandment
... "Thou shalt love him with all thy heart, soul, mind ... Are you willing to give up all
trusts, and cast yourself alone ... Then he kept the law for you, and the law can ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the first and great commandment.htm

The First Commandment
... The fool has said in his heart, There is no God ... therefore, this day, and consider
it in thy heart, that the ... redeemer, for if he be in danger, he trusts to his ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... lips, hot and great words of love and friendship, and a wicked heart revenging its ...
to run from the Lord to an arm of flesh, but he that trusts in the Lord ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm