Here are clear, non-graphic examples of an “evil heart”, described biblically and practically, focusing on attitudes and motives, not just outward actions. The question I have to ask of me is, do I have an evil heart?
What the Bible Means by an “Evil Heart”
In Scripture, an evil heart is not mainly about being “bad” on the outside, but about inner corruption—motives, desires, and thoughts that are turned away from God and love.
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts…”
— Matthew 15:19
Examples of an Evil Heart (Biblical & Everyday)
1. Pride That Refuses God
- Believing you are self-sufficient
- Rejecting correction
- Exalting self over truth
📖 Proverbs 16:5
“The Lord detests all the proud of heart.”
2. Hardness Toward Others
- No compassion for suffering
- Indifference to injustice
- Coldness toward the needy
📖 Zechariah 7:12
“They made their hearts as hard as flint…”
3. Deceit and Dishonesty
- Lying to protect self
- Manipulating others
- Pretending righteousness outwardly
📖 Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful above all things…”
4. Jealousy and Envy
- Resenting others’ blessings
- Secret bitterness
- Desiring another’s downfall
📖 James 3:14–16
5. Unforgiveness
- Holding grudges
- Replaying offenses
- Refusing mercy while demanding it for oneself
📖 Matthew 18:32–35
6. Love of Darkness
- Enjoying what is sinful
- Excusing wrongdoing
- Hiding rather than repenting
📖 John 3:19
“People loved darkness instead of light…”
7. Hypocrisy
- Appearing godly outwardly
- Harboring sin inwardly
- Judging others harshly
📖 Matthew 23:27
8. Violent or Malicious Thoughts
- Hatred
- Revenge fantasies
- Wishing harm on others
📖 1 John 3:15
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer.”
9. Greed and Covetousness
- Loving money more than people
- Exploiting others
- Never being satisfied
📖 Luke 12:15
10. Rebellion Against God
- Knowing truth but rejecting it
- Resisting conviction
- Persisting in sin without repentance
📖 Hebrews 3:12
“See to it… that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart.”
Important Balance (Very Important)
The Bible is also clear:
Every human heart needs renewal — not condemnation.
📖 Ezekiel 36:26
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”
An evil heart is not a label to condemn others, but a diagnosis meant to lead to repentance and transformation.
A Short Reflective Prayer
Lord, search my heart.
Remove what is hardened, proud, or deceitful.
Create in me a clean heart,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Amen.
Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.
I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy word and make me pure within;
Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.
Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.
O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me;
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.
James E. Orr, 1936