Understanding Ourselves—and Why We Need Help
When we talk about the heart, we often think of it as the center of our feelings and decisions. It’s the part of us that wants, hopes, fears, and sometimes tricks us into believing things that aren’t true. In the Bible, Jeremiah 17:9 gives us an honest look at what the human heart is really like: “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Let’s break down what this means in our everyday lives.
The Heart Can Trick Us
The Bible says our hearts are “deceitful,” meaning they can fool even ourselves. Sometimes, we tell ourselves we’re doing something for the right reasons, when deep down we might have selfish motives. For example, maybe we help someone out just to look good, or we convince ourselves we’re being honest when we’re not. The heart is really good at covering up the truth, which means we need to be careful about always trusting our own feelings and instincts.
There’s a Deep Problem Inside
The verse also says our hearts are “desperately wicked.” That sounds harsh, but it means that everyone has faults and impulses that aren’t always good. Even if we look put-together on the outside, everyone struggles with things like jealousy, anger, or pride on the inside. These problems can’t always be fixed by just “trying harder.” They’re part of being human.
We Don’t Always Understand Ourselves
Jeremiah asks, “Who can know it?” In other words, who really understands why they do what they do? Sometimes, we don’t even know our real reasons for our choices. We might think we’re being fair or kind, but later realize we were influenced by hidden fears or desires. This part of the verse reminds us to be humble—we all have blind spots.
God Knows Us Completely
The part right after this verse in the Bible says, “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind.” This means that while we might not understand ourselves fully, God does. He sees past our excuses and justifications, right to what’s really going on inside. That might sound scary, but it’s actually good news. God knows us better than we know ourselves and still cares for us.
God’s complete understanding means we can ask for help with things we can’t fix on our own. If we want to grow and change, we don’t have to do it by ourselves. We can turn to God, admit our struggles, and ask for his guidance and forgiveness.
Why This Matters Today
Jeremiah 17:9 isn’t just an old-fashioned warning—it’s advice for how to live honestly and wisely today. It teaches us not to trust ourselves blindly or think we always have the right answer. Instead, it tells us to:
· Check our motives: Before making choices, ask ourselves why we’re really doing it.
· Be open to God’s guidance: Pray or reflect, asking for wisdom to see things clearly.
· Show compassion to others: Remember, everyone struggles with things inside, even if it doesn’t show.
· Practice self-awareness: Take time to honestly look at our feelings, actions, and motivations—even the uncomfortable ones.
· Seek growth, not perfection: Don’t get discouraged by flaws; focus on gradual improvement and rely on God’s help.
Final Thoughts
The human heart is complicated—sometimes it leads us in the right direction, but other times it confuses or misleads us. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us to be humble, honest, and open to help from beyond ourselves. With God’s understanding and grace, we can face our weaknesses and grow into better people, step by step. If we accept that we don’t have all the answers inside us, we open ourselves up to a deeper kind of wisdom and love.
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