The concept of the "evil heart" is a recurring theme in the Bible, representing the moral and spiritual corruption that can reside within human beings. The heart, in biblical terms, often symbolizes the center of one's inner life, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. An "evil heart" thus denotes a state of being that is contrary to God's righteousness and holiness.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the condition of the heart, emphasizing its potential for evil. In Genesis 6:5, the Bible describes the state of humanity before the flood: "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time" . This passage highlights the pervasive nature of evil within the human heart, which led to divine judgment.

Jeremiah 17:9 further underscores the deceitful nature of the heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . This verse suggests that the evil heart is inherently deceptive and corrupt, requiring divine intervention for transformation.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of the evil heart in His teachings. In Matthew 15:18-19, He explains, "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 identifies the heart as the source of sinful actions, indicating that external behaviors are manifestations of internal corruption.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the condition of the heart in Romans 1:21, where he describes those who have turned away from God: "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 an evil heart results from rejecting God and leads to spiritual darkness.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the evil heart is understood as a consequence of the Fall, where sin entered the world through Adam and Eve's disobedience (Genesis 3). This original sin has tainted human nature, making the heart prone to evil. The doctrine of total depravity, a key tenet in Reformed theology, posits that every aspect of human nature, including the heart, is affected by sin.

The Need for a New Heart

The Bible offers hope for those burdened by an evil heart through the promise of a new heart. In Ezekiel 36:26, God declares, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" . This prophetic promise points to the transformative work of God in regenerating the human heart, enabling individuals to live in accordance with His will.

In the New Testament, this transformation is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" . Through the redemptive work of Christ, believers receive a new heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome the evil inclinations of the flesh.

Practical Considerations

Believers are called to guard their hearts diligently, as instructed in Proverbs 4:23: "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life" . This involves cultivating a heart that seeks after God, through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and obedience to His commands. The process of sanctification, whereby believers are gradually conformed to the image of Christ, involves the continual renewal of the heart, aligning it with God's purposes and desires.