What are the bible proverbs about mind? Find out in this article with commentary on each verse.
Introduction
The Bible considers the heart to be the mind, the soul, the spirit, and the entire emotional nature of a person. The heart is the source of many behaviors, good or bad. Before we externalize everything, we process it in the heart first. So the behavior we see in people first manifests in the heart.
10 Bible proverbs about mind
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Our thinking is narrow. Our minds cannot plan for every contingency. We need someone whose sight is from the past into the future. Therefore, we should trust in God whose mind is inexhaustible, unlike ours.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
This is one of the best proverbs about guarding the mind. Whatever we allow in our minds will flow out into our lives. If you watch violent movies, there is a higher chance you will be prone to violent behaviour. If you put garbage in your mind, you will reap garbage. The mind is a life source; that is who we are. Our behaviour emanates from the mind.
Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Our minds are open books to God. Whatever impure evil we plot in our minds, God sees it. And He hates the thoughts of evil men. Evil thoughts only result in wicked works. Even before the evil thoughts are enacted, it does not change the fact that they are sins before God. However, God hears the clean thoughts of the righteous.
Proverbs 16:1
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
A man can make as many plans as he can in his mind, but God has the final say. God rules over the plans of men.
Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Another proverb that speaks of God’s authority over the plans that men make in their minds. Looking at David, his plan was probably to look after his father’s sheep, work in the family business. His mind was settled on that. But God, despite David’s plans had other plans. He wanted David to be the king of Israel, therefore, determining David’s steps.
Proverbs 19:21
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
The many plans that a man makes are not always in agreement with God’s plans. This is why the Lord’s plans will always prevail, they are pure and all work out for the good of his glory. God knows what is best for human beings, it is better for Him to direct the plans that human beings make.
Proverbs 21:27
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
The evil intent is what makes God loath this sacrifice more. This proverb is talking about an evil person bringing a sacrifice to God. This man is not repentant of his wickedness but he dares bring God a sacrifice. God does not accept sacrifices from wicked people.
Proverbs 23:6-7
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
This verse is a warning to stay away from stingy selfish men. Their minds are always calculating evil. Even though he invites you to his table, he is not genuine. This man is pretending to be good whilst trying to hide his wicked ways but sooner or later his true nature will come out.
Proverbs 27:19
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
When you look in the water, you see your face as is. Likewise, the heart reflects the real man. The heart is the mirror that reflects the man. Man is how he thinks. If a man thinks of himself as worthless in his mind, he will not amount to anything. But if he dares dream big in his mind, he is likely to accomplish great things in his life.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
This is a typically formatted proverb where the verse contrasts the two most mentioned characters in the book of Proverbs, the fool and the wise man. The fool always rushes in to do things without any careful thought hence he cannot control what he says or censor it. The wise man, on the other hand, has self-control and knows when to speak his mind.
Conclusion
When the book of proverbs speaks about the mind, it is referring to the part of us that makes moral decisions. The mind represents the heart and through the heart, a man’s character is revealed. Everything that comes out of mankind originates from the mind. The mind controls the entirety of a person.Â
