Heart

Proverbs 17:3-8 – The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—how much worse lying lips to a ruler! A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.

Proverbs 27:21 – The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.

Psalm 4:7 – Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

1 Samuel 12:3 – Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.”

Application:

• ·         People must not become proud, and they must be wary of flattery.
• ·         “Heart” is Biblical language for the center of the human spirit, from which spring emotions, thoughts, motivations, courage and action—“everything you do flows from it”.
• ·         “A bribe is seen as a charm” is a sad commentary on human behavior.
• ·         Unlike his sons, Samuel did not use his position for personal gain.

All Scripture verses taken from NIV