The
heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?
Jeremiah 17:9
Jeremiah 17 [5.] Yahweh says: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from Yahweh. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh, and whose trust Yahweh is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat comes, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?
Jeremiah 17 [10.] I, Yahweh, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. As the partridge that sits on eggs which she has not laid, so is he who gets riches, and not by right; in the middle of his days they shall leave him, and at his end he shall be a fool. A glorious throne, set on high from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary. Yahweh, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be disappointed. Those who depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken Yahweh, the spring of living waters. Heal me, O Yahweh,
Meaning:
- Deceitful Nature:
The declaration that "the heart is deceitful above all things" unveils a fundamental truth about the human heart. It points to the innate capacity of the heart to deceive, to lead astray, and to be less reliable than it may seem. This deceitfulness encompasses both self-deception and the potential to deceive others.
- Exceedingly Corrupt:
Jeremiah goes further, proclaiming that the heart is "exceedingly corrupt." This characterization delves into the depth of the heart's fallen state, emphasizing not just a superficial corruption but an inherent, profound depravity. It suggests a pervasive inclination towards sin and moral waywardness.
- Insurmountable Challenge:
The rhetorical question, "who can know it?" underscores the challenge of comprehending the true nature of the human heart. It implies that the heart's deceitfulness and corruption are intricate and often concealed, making it a daunting task for humans to fully grasp or understand the depths of their own hearts.
Significance and Reflection:
Recognition of Human Frailty: Jeremiah 17:9 calls for humility and self-awareness. It invites us to acknowledge the frailty of our own hearts and recognize the inherent limitations in understanding our motives, desires, and the underlying currents of our inner lives.
Guarding Against Self-Deception: The acknowledgment of the heart's deceitfulness serves as a cautionary reminder. It prompts us to be vigilant against the subtle traps of self-deception, urging us to assess our intentions, actions, and beliefs with a discerning spirit.
Dependence on God's Understanding: The rhetorical question implicitly directs our gaze towards the only One who can truly know the human heart—God Himself. Recognizing the inadequacy of our understanding, we are called to depend on God's insight, seeking His guidance, conviction, and transformative work within our hearts.
Cross References:
Proverbs 28:26: The book of Proverbs echoes a similar sentiment: "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered." This aligns with the caution against trusting in the heart's inherent wisdom and underscores the importance of wisdom grounded in God.
Psalm 139:23-24: David's prayer in Psalm 139 resonates with the theme of self-awareness and dependence on God: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." It reflects a posture of openness before God, inviting His scrutiny and guidance.
In Conclusion: Jeremiah 17:9 stands as a poignant revelation about the human heart—its inclination towards deceit, corruption, and the inherent challenge of truly understanding it. As we reflect on these words, we are prompted to approach life with humility, recognizing our dependence on God's discernment and seeking His transformative work within the depths of our hearts. In acknowledging the deceitfulness and corruption within, we find a pathway to genuine self-awareness, repentance, and an ever-deepening reliance on the One who knows our hearts better than we know ourselves.
deceive - meal - pride
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible