The very thoughts of our hearts are all open and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account, and He regards them as infallible marks of the state of our souls! Those thoughts indeed which are rejected instantly with indignation, do not leave any stain upon the soul; but those evil thoughts which are in the least degree harbored and indulged, most assuredly defile us. We are told that "the very thought of foolishness is sin!" (Proverbs 24:9) And Simon Magus was exhorted to "pray that the thoughts of his heart might be forgiven." (Acts 8:22)
Indeed, it is but a small part of the wickedness of the heart that reveals itself by words and actions. All sin is first conceived in the imagination and much of it lies buried there for lack of an opportunity to break forth. Who can number:
the proud thoughts,
the impure thoughts,
the unloving thoughts,
the revengeful thoughts,
the unbelieving thoughts,
and the vain thoughts,
that often lodge in the soul?
Who can estimate the guilt which we contract by means of them?
It is worthy of remark, that these are the very things whereby our Lord himself says that the heart is defiled! "For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evil things come from within and defile a man!" (Mark 7:21-22) These are the wicked things which, when brought to maturity, fill the world with adulteries, murders, and all manner of abominations!
[Charles Simeon]
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Psalm 7:9 ... Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
Proverbs 15:26 ... The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Matthew 9:4 ... And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? ❤
