Heart

In biblical literature, the "heart" is a central concept that encompasses the inner life of a person, including emotions, will, intellect, and moral character. It is often seen as the seat of one's spiritual life and the core of one's being. The heart is where decisions are made, and it reflects the true nature of a person.

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of the heart in one's relationship with God. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the command is given: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This verse underscores the necessity of wholehearted devotion to God, indicating that true love for God involves the entirety of one's inner being.

The heart is also depicted as the source of both good and evil actions. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This suggests that the heart is the wellspring of one's actions and attitudes, and thus, it must be carefully protected and nurtured.

In the New Testament, Jesus highlights the significance of the heart in moral and spiritual matters. In Matthew 15:18-19, He states, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." Here, Jesus teaches that external actions are a reflection of the internal state of the heart.

The heart is also the place where faith resides. Romans 10:10 declares, "For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." This verse highlights the integral role of the heart in the process of salvation, emphasizing that belief is a matter of the heart.

Mouth

The "mouth" in biblical terms is often associated with speech and communication. It is the instrument through which thoughts and emotions are expressed, and it holds significant power in both positive and negative ways.

The Bible frequently addresses the impact of words spoken by the mouth. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This proverb highlights the profound influence that words can have, capable of bringing about either harm or healing.

In the New Testament, the mouth is seen as a reflection of the heart's condition. As mentioned earlier, Jesus teaches in Matthew 15:18 that "the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart." This connection between heart and mouth suggests that one's speech is a direct indicator of one's inner spiritual state.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of speech in the life of a believer. In Ephesians 4:29, he instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This exhortation calls for speech that edifies and encourages, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.

Furthermore, the mouth plays a crucial role in the confession of faith. Romans 10:9-10 highlights this by stating, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Here, the act of verbal confession is linked with the heart's belief, underscoring the mouth's role in the expression of faith and the process of salvation.

In summary, the heart and mouth are intricately connected in biblical teaching, with the heart serving as the source of one's true character and the mouth as the vehicle for expressing that character. Both are essential in the life of faith, influencing one's relationship with God and others.