Why What’s in Our Hearts Matters More Than We Think
If you’ve ever wondered whether anyone truly understands you, Jeremiah 17:10 gives a clear answer: God does. This verse says, “I the Lord search the heart, I examine the mind, to give every one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.” In simple terms, God isn’t just watching what we do—He understands why we do it. He knows our motives, our secret hopes, and even the things we hide from ourselves.
God Sees Everything—Even What’s Inside
The idea of “searching the heart” and “examining the mind” means nothing about us is hidden from God. We can sometimes fool other people (and even ourselves!) about our intentions, but God sees past our words and actions straight into what’s really going on inside. There’s no pretending or putting on a mask with Him.
God Judges Fairly—According to What We Really Choose
Because He knows everyone’s true motives and thoughts, God is perfectly fair in how He judges our lives. The verse says He gives each person “according to his ways” (how we live) and “the fruit of his doings” (the actual results of our choices). In short, our actions—and the reasons behind them—matter to God, and He will make sure everyone gets what they truly deserve.
Actions Have Consequences—Good or Bad
This is a reminder that nothing we do is wasted or ignored. Every decision, big or small, has real consequences. If we do good with the right intentions, God sees and rewards it. If we do wrong or hide bad motives, God sees that too, and we won’t escape the results.
Who or What We Trust Makes All the Difference
If you read the few verses around Jeremiah 17:10 (verses 5–11), they paint a bigger picture: If we put our trust in people alone, or in our own abilities, it’s like being a dried-up bush in the desert—no roots, no fruit, no real life. But if we trust God, we’re like a tree by a river, always green, never worried even when times get tough. Our faithfulness and the good we do will keep showing up, just like a healthy tree keeps giving fruit.
The Heart Is Tricky—But God Isn’t Fooled
These verses also warn us that our own hearts can be “deceitful”—sometimes we don’t even know our real motives, or we convince ourselves we’re doing fine when we’re not. It’s easy to call bad things good, or to think we’re okay just because life’s comfortable. But while we can fool ourselves, we can’t fool God. That’s why it’s wise to check our motives and actions, and to ask God for guidance and honesty.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
· Don’t put all your hope in people, money, or yourself—these things can let you down. Trust God to guide your life.
· Be honest with yourself about your motives. Ask God to help you see what’s really in your heart.
· Remember that God sees the whole picture, and He will make things right in the end.
· Let’s try to do good for the right reasons, not just to look good on the outside.
In the end, Jeremiah 17:10 is both a warning and a comfort. God knows us completely—and still cares about us. He wants what’s best for us and will reward sincere faith and good choices, even if no one else notices. So let’s trust Him, try to do right, and remember: nothing we do, or think, is ever hidden from God.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 