ACQUIRE A HEART AGREEABLE TO JEHOVAH

"The Secret Person Of The Heart"

The word "heart" occurs about a thousand times in the Holy Scriptures. In most cases it is used in a figurative sense. For example, Jehovah told the prophet Moses: "Speak to the sons of Israel, that they may take up a contribution for me: From every man whose heart incites him you people are to take up the contribution of mine." And those making contributions "came, everyone whose heart impelled him." (Exodus 25:2; 35:21) Clearly, one aspect of the figurative heart is motivation-the inner force that urges us to action. Our figurative heart also reflects our emotions and feelings, our desires and affections. A heart can be consumed with anger or filled with fear, torn by grief or elated with joy. (Psalm 27:3; 39:3; John 16:22; Romans 9:2) It can be proud or humble, loving or hateful. -Proverbs 16:5; Matthew 11:29; 1 Peter 1:22.

Accordingly, "heart" is often associated with motivation and emotions, whereas "mind" particularly has to do with intellect. this is how these terms are to be understood when they occur in the same context in the Scriptures. (Matthew 22:37; Philippians 4:7) But the heart and mind are not mutually exclusive. For instance, Moses urged the Israelites: "You must call back to your heart [or, "must recall to your mind,"] that Jehovah is the true God." (Deuteronomy 4:39) To the scribes scheming against him, Jesus said: "Why are you thinking wicked things in your hearts?" (Matthew 9:4) "Understanding," "knowledge," and "reasoning" can also be associated with the heart. (1 Kings 3:12; Proverbs 15:14; Mark 2:6) The figurative heart, therefore, can also involve our intellect-our thoughts or our understanding.

According to one reference work, the figurative heart stands for "the central part in general, the inside, and so for the interior man as manifesting himself in all his various activities, in his desires, affections, emotions, passions, purposes, his thoughts, perceptions,imaginations, his wisdom, knowledge, skill, his beliefs and his reasonings, his memory and his consciousness." It represents what we really are on the inside, "the secret person of the heart." ( 1 Peter 3:4) That is what Jehovah sees and examines. Hence, David could pray: "Create in me even a pure heart, O God, and put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one." (Psalm 51:10) how may we acquire a pure heart?

Next time: "Apply Your Hearts" To God's Word

Watchtower, 2001