Topical Encyclopedia The term "wrong-hearted" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. It refers to an attitude or disposition of the heart that is contrary to God's will and righteousness. The Bible frequently addresses the condition of the heart, emphasizing its importance in one's relationship with God.Biblical Understanding of the Heart In Scripture, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. Proverbs 4:23 states, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the significance of maintaining a pure heart, as it influences one's actions and life direction. Characteristics of a Wrong-hearted Individual 1. Deceitfulness and Wickedness: Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as "deceitful above all things and beyond cure—who can understand it?" This highlights the natural inclination of the human heart towards deceit and wickedness, which can lead one away from God. 2. Pride and Arrogance: A wrong-hearted person often exhibits pride and arrogance, which are condemned in Scripture. Proverbs 16:5 warns, "Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished." 3. Rebellion Against God: The wrong-hearted are often rebellious, resisting God's commandments and authority. In Ezekiel 2:4 , God describes the Israelites as "obstinate and stubborn children," illustrating the rebellious nature of a wrong-hearted people. 4. Lack of Love and Compassion: A wrong-hearted individual may lack genuine love and compassion for others, contrary to the greatest commandments to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Consequences of a Wrong-hearted Disposition The Bible warns of the spiritual and moral consequences of harboring a wrong-hearted attitude. In Romans 1:21 , Paul writes, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." This passage illustrates how a wrong-hearted disposition can lead to spiritual blindness and separation from God. Examples in Scripture 1. Pharaoh: The hardness of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus is a classic example of a wrong-hearted individual. Despite witnessing God's power through the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, leading to his downfall (Exodus 9:12). 2. The Pharisees: In the New Testament, the Pharisees often exemplify wrong-heartedness through their legalism and hypocrisy. Jesus rebukes them in Matthew 23:27 , saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity." The Call to a Right Heart The Bible calls believers to cultivate a heart aligned with God's will. Psalm 51:10 is a prayer for a pure heart: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This verse reflects the desire for transformation and alignment with God's righteousness. Transformation Through Christ The New Testament emphasizes the transformative power of Christ in renewing the heart. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 , Paul declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" Through faith in Christ, believers are given a new heart, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. Concordance Wrong-hearted (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 3:32 Thesaurus Wrong-hearted (1 Occurrence)Wrong-hearted. Wrong-headed, Wrong-hearted. Wronging . Multi-Version Concordance Wrong-hearted (1 Occurrence). Proverbs ... /w/wrong-hearted.htm - 6k Wronging (6 Occurrences) Wrong-headed (1 Occurrence) Intimate (12 Occurrences) Devious (5 Occurrences) Confidence (103 Occurrences) Hated (124 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about criticism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should a believer do if his or her spouse chooses to live a transgender lifestyle? | GotQuestions.org Why does Isaiah 45:7 say that God created evil? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |