But despite the urgency of protecting our hearts from the physical standpoint in order to live an average lifetime, it is even more urgent to safeguard the heart because of its important role in motivation, in originating desires and affections, if we hope to live forever in God’s new order now so near. That is why the Bible warns: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” How we develop and protect our hearts spiritually, and how our hearts motivate us, will be deciding factors to the One who “is making an estimate of hearts,” in determining if we shall live in the righteous new system of things of God’s making, or if we shall go into perpetual death because our hearts failed us spiritually.​—Prov. 4:23; 21:2; 24:12.

LOOKING DEEPLY INTO THE HEART

5. Is the “heart” part of the mind? Explain.

⁵ Where and what is your heart? You may say, What heart are you talking about? You know you have a heart in your chest, one that is pumping blood throughout your entire body, serving every single cell with that stream of life. But do you have another “heart” in your head, a “figurative heart”? Is it part of your brain or is it that abstract capacity of the brain that we call the “mind”? No! The brain, in which the mind resides, is one thing and the heart in our thorax, with its power of motivation, is another thing.

6. How does the Bible use the word “heart”?

⁶ With but few exceptions, the use of the word “heart” in the Bible is limited to the operations of the heart of man as the powerhouse of one’s desires, emotions and affections, the place that comes to include the capacities for motivation. The Bible does not speak of a symbolic or spiritual heart in contradistinction to the fleshly or literal heart, just as it does not speak of a symbolic mind, and thus we do not want to make the mistake of viewing the literal heart as merely a fleshly pump as does orthodox physiology today. Most psychiatrists and psychologists tend to overcategorize the mind and allow for little if any influence from the fleshly heart, looking upon the word “heart” merely as a figure of speech apart from its use in identifying the organ that pumps our blood.

7, 8. (a) Describe the interplay between the heart and the mind of an individual. (b) What influence does the heart have as to personality traits?

⁷ The heart, nevertheless, is intricately connected with the brain by the nervous system and is well supplied with sensory nerve endings. The sensations of the heart are recorded on the brain. It is here that the heart brings to bear on the mind its desires and its affections in arriving at conclusions having to do with motivations. In reverse flow, the mind feeds the heart with interpretations of the impulses from the senses and with conclusions reached that are based on the knowledge it has received, either at the moment or from the memory. There is a close interrelationship between the heart and the mind, but they are two different faculties, centering in different locations. The heart is a marvelously designed muscular pump, but, more significantly, our emotional and motivating capacities are built within it. Love, hate, desire (good and bad), preference for one thing over another, ambition, fear​—in effect, all that serves to motivate us in relationship to our affections and desires springs from the heart.

⁸ The Bible makes a definite distinction between the heart and the mind. Jesus did so when saying we must love Jehovah with our “whole heart” as well as with our “whole mind.” (Matt. 22:37) What we are at heart determines in large measure what we are as to personality. In this regard the apostle Peter speaks of “the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.”​—1 Pet. 3:4.

9. What do some scientists believe about the heart, apart from its being a pump for the blood?

⁹ Let us consider some significant points about the fleshly organ in your chest, the heart, called in Hebrew lev and le·vavʹ and in Greek kar·diʹa (from which we get the word “cardiac”). Some medical scientists and psychiatrists believe that the heart does considerably more than pump blood. For instance, Dr. D. E. Schneider, a neurologist and psychiatrist of New York, points out that, when the human embryo is forming, the heart and the brain develop from the same area, that the heart is in part nerve tissue and, additionally, has the capacity for manufacturing and storing certain highly potent chemicals that exercise a regulatory effect on the body, including, according to this research, the brain. His conclusion is that there is “evidence for a two-way relationship between mind and heart,” and that, even as the mind has its effect on the heart, “the heart [yes, the fleshly one in your chest] in turn may influence the mind intensely.” Certain other researchers have arrived at rather similar conclusions.

10. In heart-transplant patients, what conceivably causes the serious phychotic behavior?

¹⁰ It is significant that heart-transplant patients, where the nerves connecting the heart and brain are severed, have serious emotional problems after the operation. The new heart is still able to operate as a pump, it having its own power supply and timing mechanism independent of the general nervous system for giving impulse to the heart muscle, but just as it now responds only sluggishly to outside influences, the new heart in turn registers few, if any, clear factors of motivation on the brain. To what extent the nerve endings of the body and the new heart are able to make some connections in time is not clear, but this cannot be ruled out as one of the several factors causing the serious mental aberrations and disorientation that doctors report are observed in heart-transplant patients. These patients have donor-supplied pumps for their blood, but do they now have all the factors needed to say they have a “heart”? One thing is sure, in losing their own hearts, they have had taken away from them the capacities of “heart” built up in them over the years and which contributed to making them who they were as to personality.

11, 12. (a) What has been reported on the behavior of heart-transplant patients? (b) What significant observations are made on the heart’s makeup and function other than as a pump for the blood?

¹¹ Medical World News (May 23, 1969), in an article entitled “What Does a New Heart Do to the Mind?” reported the following: “At Stanford University Medical Center last year, a 45-year-old man received a new heart from a 20-year-old donor and soon announced to all his friends that he was celebrating his twentieth birthday. Another recipient resolved to live up to the sterling reputation of the prominent local citizen who was the donor. And a third man expressed great fear of feminization upon receiving a woman’s heart, though he was somewhat mollified when he learned that women live longer than men. According to psychiatrist Donald T. Lunde, a consultant to surgeon Norman Shumway’s transplant team at Stanford, these patients represent some of the less severe mental aberrations [italics ours] observed in the Shumway series of 13 transplants over the last 16 months.” The article continues: “Though five patients in the series had survived as of early this month, and four of them were home leading fairly normal lives, three of the nonsurvivors became psychotic before they died last year. And two others have become psychotic this year.”

¹² While the giving of the drug prednisone and the mind-wearying effects of a serious operation and a long confinement under intensive care are given by Dr. Lunde as the chief causes of these strange personality disorders, it is interesting to observe that Dr. Schneider, “a New York psychiatrist-neurologist and a student of heart-brain interaction, sees other factors modifying Dr. Lunde’s explanations for the psychoses encountered in the Shumway heart transplant series. Dr. Schneider . . . maintains that ‘the heart is more than a plumber’s pump​—it is a neuroendocrine battery. It has a little brain all its own, the S-A and A-V nodes and the conduction bundle, and the little waves from this bundle can be discerned along with each heart wave on an ECG [electrocardiogram]. Beyond this, the heart’s extensive manufacture and storage of catecholamines may affect the levels of these neurohormones in the hypothalamus.’” (Ibid., page 18) Dr. Schneider observed that many non-heart-transplant patients who were given prednisone or confined for long periods did not get psychoses.

13. (a) How is it that a person may be living and yet be dead in God’s sight? (b) In what more vital way can it be said of the heart, “out of it are the sources of life”?

¹³ Whatever medical science may yet learn about the human heart, the Bible definitely makes a distinction between mind and heart, separating them. And, with the heart playing such a vital role, how important it is to safeguard it, not just by dietary self-control and other physical means, but by watching what sinks down into our hearts as impressions come to it from the senses and as the result of interactions of heart and mind! If the heart stops and the body does not get lifegiving blood, we perish, including our heart and mental faculties; but even though we are living, if there is not a steady flow of proper motives, desires and affections from our heart, we cannot expect to please the Life-giver, Jehovah. “The one that goes in for sensual gratification is dead though she is living.” (1 Tim. 5:6) In this light, “out of it are the sources of life” takes on greater significance. It is from the heart that we are motivated to worship. “With the heart one exercises faith for righteousness.” (Rom. 10:10) We must love Jehovah with the whole heart and worship him “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) In creating man, Jehovah made a special place in the heart of man for himself, which, of course, needs to be cultivated and nurtured by each one. It is the fool or senseless one who “has said in his heart: ‘There is no Jehovah.”’ God can be replaced in the heart by other persons, objects, or concepts, if one chooses to have this done, but human creatures are made naturally at heart to worship their Creator.​—Ps. 14:1; Prov. 3:1-7.

14. How is the heart involved in expressing our emotions?

¹⁴ It is interesting to observe, too, that the heart is one of the first organs of the body to be affected by emotional circumstances. Our hearts leap with joy; sudden danger brings a violent racing of the heart. Fear causes trepidation of the heart. Grief and sorrow bring it pain. From the heights of joy and pleasure to the depths of despair and pain, the sensations of the heart are felt throughout the body. Appropriately we have many words and phrases that incorporate the word “heart.” To name a few: Take to heart, fainthearted, tenderhearted, hardhearted, with all your heart, heartrending, set your heart on, heartening, change of heart, and so forth.

CONTRASTING THE HEART AND THE MIND

15. Describe the faculty of “mind.”

¹⁵ The mind, as we use the term in English, is the intellect or knowledge-processing center. It gathers information, thinks on it and, by process of reason and logic, reaches conclusions. With its powers of learning and perception, the mind relates the pieces of information it receives into concepts and patterns. (2 Tim. 1:13) When the pieces fall into place with clarity, it can be said that one has knowledge of a matter. Wisdom and understanding come when one is able to turn this knowledge into practical worth and see clearly how the related parts fit together into the whole with meaning, usefulness, and workability.

16. With respect to the Israelites in the wilderness, what insight does the Bible record give as to heart motivation?

¹⁶ The fleshly heart, in contrast, is intimately associated with affection and motivation. The psalmist wrote: “In my heart I have treasured up your saying, in order that I may not sin against you.” (Ps. 119:11) We can see that the heart is what motivates one’s mind and course of action, by the case of the Israelites when preparing for and constructing the tent of meeting in the wilderness. The record says that “everyone whose heart impelled him,” all “whose hearts incited them,” contributed materials, skill and labor. (Ex. 35:21, 26, 29) It is because the heart has this motivating capacity that it focuses attention on what the person really is inside, what the apostle Peter called the “secret person of the heart.”​—1 Pet. 3:3, 4.

17. Illustrate the difference between the mind and the heart.

¹⁷ A simple illustration will help us to see the difference in the role played by each. Almost anyone can gain a knowledge of mechanics by study and application. However, the person not having developed a love at heart for things mechanical would have little or no motivation to learn about motors. If his car stops running, he likely would not know where to start in making the repair. Yet this one might be a skilled musician, an expert lawyer, or a devoted homemaker, each loving his work and pursuing it because at heart this is what he (or she) wants to do as a profession. But, in examining closely the background of a skilled mechanic, likely you would find he loves to work with motors, and, as a boy, he always wanted to know what made things “tick.” Hearing a powerful motor start up and run smoothly is music to his ears. Now, what are we talking about? Yes, the heart! We are discussing his affections, motives and desires, not just the mental ability to learn about mechanics.

18, 19. (a) In what ways do the mind and heart work together? (b) How does what is taken into the mind influence the heart?

¹⁸ Now, although the Bible shows the heart and mind to be separate and distinct, this still allows for close interrelation, interdependency, and interplay between them. Your heart can be fed by your mind, for it is really with the conscious brain that we see, hear, feel, and receive the effects of our other physical senses. In turn, your mind, which is seated in the brain, can be moved or motivated by your heart.

¹⁹ From youth the mind is exercising a strong influence on the heart. If the right kind of information is taken into the mind, right conclusions and impressions are formed, and, as these sink down into the heart, there is a good influence in molding, controlling, and directing the motivations, desires and affections of the heart. If wrong information is taken into the mind, wrong concepts are built up, and as a result prejudice, hate, fear, pride, greed, stubbornness and other despicable traits take root in the heart and are reflected in the personality of the individual, especially if these wrong conclusions and impressions were formed early in life. That is why one, in becoming a Christian, must ‘be transformed by making his mind over.’ Paul admonished: “Be made new in the force actuating your mind.” This new force of mind is built up as we get God’s Word firmly implanted in our minds and respond fully to God’s spirit, carefully watching afterward that our minds are not “corrupted away from the sincerity and the chastity that are due the Christ.”​—Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22-24; 2 Cor. 11:3.

20. Describe the general environment that shapes the hearts and minds of the majority today.

²⁰ The majority of mankind today are raised in homes and neighborhoods where the environment for learning is not good. Permissiveness in home and school training has gone to seed, producing a rebellious, thrill-seeking generation. The learning about bad and the indulgence in it make deep circuits in the minds and corrupt the hearts of individuals, so that when they grow older they do what has already become natural to them. The abnormal becomes normal. Sex is for thrills and something about which to make dirty jokes, rather than for what God made it, the clean, pleasurable act within the confines of marriage to produce children. Have a good time, make money, get ahead, become somebody, do not let anyone push you around, indulge yourself, steal if you can get away with it​—these are just some of the attitudes and goals impressed almost inerasably upon the heart from youth up by the environment of this world.

21, 22. (a) How are the hearts of those who turn away from God described? (b) In contrast, what is taking place in the hearts of those who are receptive to the Word of God?

²¹ Each generation, the present generation even more so, has produced a majority who have turned away from God, becoming “empty-headed in their reasonings” and “their unintelligent heart became darkened,” so that “God, in keeping with the desires of their hearts, gave them up to uncleanness.” They proved to be like most in the nation of Judah whom Jehovah described as having their sins “engraved on the tablet of their heart” as with a diamond point. Because God has not brought speedy execution of the wicked, “that is why the heart of the sons of men has become fully set in them to do bad.” (Rom. 1:18-32; Jer. 17:1; Eccl. 8:11) Yet down through the stream of time there have been a precious few who have worked against great odds to cultivate in their hearts love for God and righteousness. Today, even deep into the “time of the end,” Jehovah’s witnesses are finding thousands whose hearts prove to be receptive to the Word of God, heeding the counsel: “Put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your souls.” “As for that [seed] on the fine soil, these are the ones that, after hearing the word with a fine and good heart, retain it and bear fruit with endurance.”​—Jas. 1:21; Luke 8:15.

²² While it often involves making drastic changes in their lives, such as turning from a course of immorality, cooling down their tendency to be hot-tempered, reorienting their ambitions, being completely honest and industrious servants of God, they courageously make these changes. If we “call upon the Lord out of a clean heart” and work for a good heart, we have the promise from Jehovah that he will help us to have one.​—2 Tim. 2:22.

23. What honest examination should be made of our hearts?

²³ So, how is your heart? As far as you know, your heart, medically speaking, may be sound for the moment, but the more important question is, How is your heart when you weigh out the motives, affections and desires arising therefrom? When you examine your heart in the light of God’s Word, do you find that it is motivating you in the right direction, and does it have right desires and affections? Where deficiencies are found, are you having success in renewing and strengthening your heart as well as your mind, so as to think correctly and to resist the tendencies of the imperfect flesh and the temptations around you? If you are having a measure of success now, it is vital that you keep building and safeguarding your heart.

The Human Heart Is Treacherous

“The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, . . . even to give to each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings.”​—Jer. 17:9, 10.

1. What does the Bible tell us frankly about the inclination of the heart of man?

OUR own experiences and the experiences of others remind us daily that one is not born with a good heart and a bent of mind toward righteousness. Despite the innocency of a newborn babe, sin and imperfection have already been at work within him since conception. The psalmist David put it this way: “Look! With error I was brought forth with birth pains, and in sin my mother conceived me.” (Ps. 51:5) Even conscientious parents who are endeavoring to bring up their children “in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah” become painfully aware very often that “foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy,” and have found that it takes “the rod of discipline” in its various applications to “remove it far from him.” (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:15) Jehovah mercifully took note of this miserable inheritance that is passed along from parents to children in His accepting the sacrifice of Noah and his family following the global flood: “Never again shall I call down evil upon the ground on man’s account, because the inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up.”​—Gen. 8:21.

THE HEART CAN BE DECEPTIVE

2. (a) How is it that “the heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate”? (b) What realization did the apostle Paul acknowledge, even after making his mind over?

² Working with the heart is tricky. If we are not careful, we become the victims of self-deception. The Bible warns: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9) A person who is treacherous is marked by a ready disposition to betray confidence or faith pledged; he is disloyal, untrustworthy, really traitorous. Think of it! We all have, in our imperfect state, a potential traitor enclosed in our bosom! Is it not true that at times we are appalled, yes, ashamed, over things that start to take root in the heart? And when the heart wants something desperately, this can lead to serious trouble. It is vital that we make adjustments quickly, to quiet down those new affections, to eliminate those sudden desires. The apostle Paul confessed that his renewed mind was being warred against by the bad desires arising from the heart as well as burdened by weights imposed by the imperfect flesh: “I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, but I behold in my members another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my members.” (Rom. 7:22, 23) He acknowledged that only Jehovah through Christ could rescue us from this miserable state. Left to our own devices, we would surely go astray many times. “Many are the plans in the heart of a man, but the counsel of Jehovah is what will stand.”​—Prov. 19:21.

3. While the mind is in a position to influence the heart with reasoned-out conclusions, what can happen if the heart has no inclination to listen?

³ As we have learned earlier, the heart does not always listen to the mind. There are times when the heart overwhelms the mind despite its force of logic. We must remember that the heart reasons, too, although this has to do not so much with logic as it does with what is taking place in the heart as our motives, affections and desires take shape and gather momentum in a certain direction, whether for good or for bad. David prayed, “Let . . . the meditation of my heart become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah.” In contrast, Jesus said, “Out of the heart come wicked reasonings.” (Ps. 19:14; Matt. 15:19) The mind is in a position to influence the heart, to make logical recommendations to it, to appeal to it, perhaps on the basis of past experience, and in some cases strongly urge it to take a certain course because of knowing the dangers involved, but if desire and affection for a certain thing have built up strongly in the heart, the heart can win out.

4. Illustrate the workings of the mind and heart in connection with buying a new suit or dress.

⁴ To illustrate, suppose the time comes when you must make a decision on buying a new suit or dress. First, the mind is confronted with certain facts. Perhaps older clothes are getting past their usefulness or there is a need for a change for some good reason. The heart comes very much into the picture too, as there is a desire at heart to look presentable. Heart and mind are in agreement that a new dress or suit be obtained. The mind now collects information on prices, quality, styles, and so forth, so that when you go shopping you have a pretty good idea which suit or dress should be purchased. But when you arrive at the store, there in the window is quite an eye-catcher, just waiting for the impulse buyer. It is not really practical for you; it involves much more money; it is rather extreme in styling; but how it tantalizes the heart! “It’s the heart’s delight!”

5. What is necessary to keep our hearts unified to do Jehovah’s will?

⁵ Now what will be done? What decision will be made? Will it be a practical, reasoned-out one, or one according to this new desire of the heart? If you are not very careful, the heart will overwhelm the mind. You will be motivated to follow a course against your better judgment. On the other hand, this may be a case, as sometimes happens, of a momentarily divided heart. If so, the transcending good motives and affections of the heart will win out, resulting in the right decision to purchase the most practical ensemble to fill your clothing needs. But you are further reminded that in order to be assured that right decisions will be made, it is necessary to fortify and train the heart in advance in the counsel of Jehovah. “He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid, but he that is walking in wisdom is the one that will escape.” The more powerful desires that a person has cultivated at heart to put Jehovah’s interests and principles first in his life can overrule fascinating interests and desires that spring up suddenly in the heart.​—Prov. 28:26.

6. Why is it necessary to act immediately if wrong desire begins to take root in the heart?

⁶ Now let us take this reasoning a step farther, into more serious aspects of life. How does the heart react when we are faced with temptation to commit immorality, to steal, to do injury to others? Even more seriously, what goes wrong when a person begins to scheme deliberately to satisfy the desires of the heart? Is your heart strong enough to motivate you away from a wrong course, or will it succumb to entertaining secretly the possibility of indulging in the desires of the flesh? To delay in making a right decision can be disastrous. A powerful force is generated when the heart begins to contemplate, the emotions are stirred and the flesh begins to prepare itself for the wrong. “But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire [which begins in the heart]. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.”​—Jas. 1:14, 15.

7. Illustrate how the heart can win out in electing to go contrary to the arguments of the mind.

⁷ Consider, for example, the case of a married man faced with the temptation to commit adultery with a woman who is not his mate. His mind, from study and from what he has heard and seen, may have information weighing heavily against such a course. By reasoning on the results to others who have taken that course and considering the difficulties and bad aftereffects to which this will logically lead, his mind may produce arguments pointing overwhelmingly in the direction away from such temptation, information that urgently recommends getting out of the danger area. But suppose the person’s heart has no desire to turn away from the temptation? Then his heart will make a decision contrary to what his mind offers and recommends, the heart, in effect, saying to the mind, “No, but this is the way we will go.” The emotional power of his heart causes him to stay in the danger zone contrary to his mind’s counsel and reason.

8. How does the Bible describe the ability of the heart to choose the course one will take?

⁸ This ability of the heart to select between optional courses and fix its desire on one of them explains why the Bible speaks of the heart of man as ‘making plans’ and as ‘thinking out his way,’ that is, the way over which his mind has first thought and which way appeals to his heart. (Prov. 19:21; 16:9) This is particularly the case in moral and spiritual matters.

9. If the heart has a strong desire to do wrong, what can happen in bringing its influence to bear on the mind?

⁹ More than this, however, the heart may then move the mind to begin seeking some pretext or excuse for going in the wrong course, employing false reasoning. The person may enter into sinful action, and, at the very time that he is sinning, his heart may prompt his mind to invent justifications. He may presume on God’s loving-kindness, saying, ‘God is very merciful; he will forgive me on account of my fleshly weakness,’ and at the same time continuing his wrong course. He becomes like the wicked person who “has said in his heart: ‘God has forgotten. He has concealed his face. He will certainly never see it.’” (Ps. 10:11; compare Romans 1:21, 24.) It is no wonder, then, that the Scriptures warn us that sinful man’s heart is “more treacherous than anything else and is desperate.”​—Jer. 17:9.

10, 11. (a) What did Jesus have to say about a man’s committing adultery in his heart? (b) How is it that a man, in God’s eyes, can go so far as to commit adultery in his heart, even though not touching one not his wife?

¹⁰ This also helps us to understand how it is that a person can be viewed by God as having committed adultery although he has not even touched the other person involved. A man may at a glance see a beautiful woman not his wife and in his heart say, “She’s quite attractive,” this being done almost before he has had time to think about it. This passing deduction does not have to be wrong or impure, but if a man “keeps on looking” at this woman, desire is bound to develop so as to build up a passion for her in his heart. Jesus counseled: “But I say to you that everyone [married] that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her [where?] in his heart.”​—Matt. 5:28.

¹¹ Such one has not engaged in the actual physical act, perhaps because circumstances have not lent themselves to it; he does not feel he can ‘get away with it’ without undergoing a lot of disagreeable problems. His mind may have warned him of this. But if the circumstances should change, appear propitious, if he thought there were some possibility of escaping serious aftereffects, then his heart is already willing to commit the act, wants to do it. The full motivation is there​—only the opportunity is lacking. In God’s eyes such a one is already guilty. (Compare James 1:13-15.) In the very same way one could become guilty of theft, or even murder. (1 John 3:15) Can we see, then, why it is so important for us to appreciate clearly the Bible’s distinction between mind and heart, and that the heart, and not the mind, is the seat of motive?

12. How did David allow his heart to lead him astray, in contrast with Joseph?

¹² It was said of David that he was a man after God’s own heart, but on one occasion he happened to be walking on his rooftop and in the distance bathing herself, perhaps innocently, was Bathsheba. Rather than turning away before erotic thoughts could be stirred in his heart, he kept looking and built up a passion for her. In turn, this led to his shamefully committing adultery and maneuvering matters to have her husband killed so that he could take her as wife. In contrast, Joseph fled when tempted by the sex-mad wife of his master. True, he landed in prison on a false charge and lost his freedom for a while, but he had not lost his good conscience and standing with God.

JEHOVAH KNOWS THE HEART AND ITS NEEDS

13. What do the Scriptures show as to Jehovah’s knowing the heart accurately?

¹³ Who can know the human heart? Well, we must confess that in our imperfect state we cannot fully, but how thankful we can be that Jehovah does! “For not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is.” “I, Jehovah, am searching the heart . . . even to give to each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings.” “You have examined my heart, you have made inspection by night, you have refined me.” (1 Sam. 16:7; Jer. 17:10; Ps. 17:3) Jesus also knows accurately the workings of the heart of man. “The things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man.” (Matt. 15:18) Now, what are those things?

14. (a) What penetrating analysis did Jesus make of the heart’s capacity? (b) Are we working against impossible odds in attempting to have a good heart?

¹⁴ While the human heart is capable of the most noble and exalted motivations, look what foul, repulsive things can also come from the heart, as enumerated by Jesus! “For from inside, out of the heart of men, injurious reasonings issue forth: fornications, thieveries, murders, adulteries, covetings, acts of wickedness, deceit, loose conduct, an envious eye, blasphemy, haughtiness, unreasonableness. [Matthew’s account adds “false testimonies.”] All these wicked things issue forth from within and defile a man.” (Mark 7:20-23) Faced with the capacity for such a formidable array of wicked things originating in the heart, one could easily give up and say it is no use. Most people do. That is one reason why the broad road to destruction is filled with so many millions, whereas the narrow and cramped road to life has so few thereon. But Jesus did not hold out an impossible goal in opening the narrow way leading to everlasting life. He did say: “Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will seek to get in but will not be able.”​—Luke 13:24.

15. In starting to reshape and mold our desires and affections in order to have proper motivation, of what should we remind ourselves?

¹⁵ How we take in knowledge and submit to discipline determines to a large degree what affections or desires, whether good or bad, develop in our hearts, and with what intensity they spring from the heart. We cannot feed the heart and mind with a steady diet of filth and expect to have good desires and motives. Moreover, the mind needs good reasons to recommend to the heart as to why something should be done or not be done. It takes educating and disciplining of the heart. (Prov. 23:12) Then finally the heart is won over, if there is any tendency to be reluctant, as it gets a taste of the good results that come from doing the right thing. It is not just a matter of getting up in the morning and saying, “Today I’m going to be more loving,” or some similar expression, as if working such psychology on self will provide the answer. First, we must cultivate good qualities as a way of life in daily application so that good habits and traits can be formed, and then be honest with ourselves in getting to know the root causes of the bad qualities and tendencies embedded in the heart. Then we can apply Bible principles in eliminating or controlling them. “When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you, to deliver you from the bad way.”​—Prov. 2:10-12.

16, 17. (a) Describe the heart situation of a person who has spent much of his life in immoral surroundings. (b) What conflicts develop as he learns the truth of God’s Word?

¹⁶ To illustrate this reorienting of the heart, consider what takes place in the heart when a person hears the truth of God’s Word with delight after spending a good portion of his life associating with immoral persons and frequenting places that are in business for providing sensual pleasure. The person has shown a great deficiency in good motivating capacities, since “anyone committing adultery with a woman is in want of heart.” (Prov. 6:32; 9:1-5, 13-18) Reading cheap novels, looking at pornographic magazines and listening to and telling dirty jokes may have enhanced this craving for sexual stimulation. Now he learns that, instead of growing old and dying, he can look forward to living forever under perfect conditions. This appeals to him at heart. But he also learns that only those who conform to Jehovah’s righteous requirements will live there. What will he do?

¹⁷ The strong immoral cravings of the heart and flesh, built up over the years, are not dispelled overnight. How conscious he becomes of this! A terrible conflict of mind and heart begins. (Ps. 38:7-10) The mind sees the logic of serving Jehovah: The wrath of God can be escaped; freedom from sickness, suffering and death can be had, leading to everlasting life; good conduct really is in the best interest of one’s body, physically, mentally, and emotionally; and wholesome, upbuilding association among God’s people is available to replace the former friends who encouraged and contributed to his delinquency. But the heart wants things now, all the things that have given it secret delight in the past! True, there is a desire to worship God there, although rather weak now. Deep down, there is a desire to do what is right, but this is not too strong now. The mind reminds the heart of the evil consequences, such as possibly contracting a venereal disease or fathering an illegitimate child or being party to an abortion, which points cannot be gainsaid by the heart, but still those desires are there.

18. How is the heart finally won over, so that it finds its highest delight in doing Jehovah’s will?

¹⁸ This is a crucial point in his life. Many, progressing to this point, go no farther. Life in the new system sounds very good, but the attractions to the old system are too strong in the heart. But the one who keeps mustering up courage in his heart to progress, yes, forcing himself to do the right thing, to get the law of God into his heart soon finds it easier to do the right thing. More than this, the heart gets a taste by actual experience of what pleases God, and the more the heart does this, it has to conclude, you can get pleasure in this too. It, along with the mind, sees the benefits. These former desires begin to be replaced in the heart by the right things. Two things cannot occupy the same place at the same time. In effect, there has been a ‘circumcising of the heart.’ (Rom. 2:29; Col. 2:11) Now he stays away from the former acquaintances and bad influences because he wants to at heart, not because he has to force himself. The heart has come to find its highest delight and purest pleasure in the doing of God’s will and associating with his people. The former things become revolting to him. He has built up a love, a deep affection, for God’s law in his heart. “The law of his God is in his heart; his steps will not wobble.”​—Ps. 37:31.

OTHER MOTIVES OF THE HEART

19. What influence does the heart have on the tongue?

¹⁹ Morally, we may have our hearts under control, but what about the motivations of the heart otherwise? How are we using the tongue, for instance? Jesus set forth the principle: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt. 12:34, 35; Prov. 15:28) The good heart motivates one to speak good things. However, if anyone “does not bridle his tongue, but goes on deceiving his own heart, this man’s form of worship is futile.” Gossip is bad medicine for the heart. If we are not careful, it just gets great delight in savoring “juicy” items about others and spreading them around. But the spreading of rumors and half-truths is unloving.​—Jas. 1:26.

20. (a) Why is it necessary to keep loving “one another intensely from the heart”? (b) Why is it significant that forgiveness must come from the heart and not just from the mind?

²⁰ More seriously, “if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, . . . there disorder and every vile thing are.” (Jas. 3:14-16) “You must not hate your brother in your heart.” Rather, we are instructed to “love one another intensely from the heart.” (Lev. 19:17; 1 Pet. 1:22) If your brother has sinned against you, it should be straightened out “between you and him alone” before you build up a hateful attitude toward him. Of the unforgiving ones Jesus said: “In like manner my heavenly Father will also deal with you if you do not forgive each one his brother from your hearts.” (Matt. 18:15, 35) One of the seven things that Jehovah hates, as listed at Proverbs 6:16-19, is “a heart fabricating hurtful schemes.”​—Ps. 140:2.

21. What common tendencies of the heart can be manifest if extreme care is not exercised?

²¹ In our relationship with Jehovah and his organization, there is no room for hypocrisy, greed, haughtiness or stubbornness. (1 Tim. 1:5; Ps. 101:5; 131:1) Both the ‘doublehearted’ and the “halfhearted” are condemned by God’s Word. (Ps. 12:2; 119:113) The tendency of the heart is to put up a pretense, to justify, to lie out of a situation. If this tactic does not work, then there is a resorting to flattery or possibly to threatening by abusive speech or reviling. (Rom. 16:18) The heart needs to be trained in truthfulness and obedience so that we will be honest not only with Jehovah but also with ourselves and our brothers. If we have sinned, and our hearts ‘begin to beat’ us we should quickly go to Jehovah in prayer and bare our hearts before him, seeking forgiveness and a cleansing of heart. (2 Sam. 24:10; Jas. 4:8-10) If a serious sin has been committed, we need to reveal this to the responsible ones in the congregation and seek their help. The heart should not despise reproof nor be “unfeeling just like fat.” Jehovah “is healing the brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.” (Ps. 119:70; 147:3; Prov. 5:12-14) If we appreciate Jehovah’s mercy and this provision to cover over sins by the ransom sacrifice, we can confidently approach Jehovah without being further condemned at heart, as we henceforth walk circumspectly before him.​—Heb. 10:22; 1 John 3:18-24.

22. Why is diligence to guard the heart at all times important?

²² Our hearts need to be guarded with all diligence, as we look to Jehovah to help us to ‘lead our hearts on in the way.’ Because the heart is deceitful and can revert to former bad ways before we know it, we must every day be mindful of the exhortation from God’s Word: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding.” Doing this, we have the assurance that “the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.”​—Prov. 23:19; 3:5; Phil. 4:6, 7.

23. Why, “more than all else,” should the heart be safeguarded?

²³ Can you see more clearly now why it is that “more than all else that is to be guarded,” we should safeguard the heart? The “sources of life” come out of it, and this not only because the heart, as a muscular pump, causes life-giving blood to course throughout the body to all the cells to keep them alive and healthy. More importantly, the heart can, if we develop it properly, originate the motives, desires and affections which, with Jehovah’s help and undeserved kindness, will ensure for us everlasting life in perfect health in his new system of things. The great heart Physician, Jehovah, has correctly diagnosed the heart condition of all mankind and only he has the right prescription for our defective hearts: “My son, my law do not forget, and my commandments may your heart observe, because length of days and years of life and peace will be added to you.”​—Prov. 3:1, 2.

Serving Jehovah with a Complete Heart

“You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.”​—Matt. 22:37.

1, 2. (a) What serious advice did King David give his son Solomon regarding the importance of serving Jehovah with a complete heart? (b) How did Jesus show the need of serving Jehovah with a complete heart?

HE WAS an old man and he did not have long to live. Before a gathering of people he talked to his son, and said to him: “My son, know the God of your father and serve him with a complete heart and with a delightful soul; for all hearts Jehovah is searching, and every inclination of the thoughts he is discerning. If you search for him, he will let himself be found by you; but if you leave him, he will cast you off forever.”​—1 Chron. 28:9.

² The aged man, his son, and the people who heard what was said have long passed off the scene. But those words of King David to his son Solomon contain counsel and truth that are eternal and that are vital today for you and me. The whole record of the Bible, including the ministry of God’s Son, Christ Jesus, testifies to the fact that the Sovereign God Jehovah wants to be served with a complete heart​—or not at all. When asked, “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.” (Matt. 22:36-38; Mark 12:28-30) Surely none of us want God to ‘cast us off forever,’ do we? So, since our hearts are among those hearts that Jehovah is searching, how can we be sure we are serving him with a “complete heart,” with our “whole heart”?

3. Why is it essential to see clearly the distinction between the heart and the mind?

³ Seeing clearly the Bible’s distinction between mind and heart will help us in safeguarding the heart and serving Jehovah with a complete heart. A person may have an excellent knowledge of the Bible, may be able to answer questions on numerous points and show that he or she is “up-to-date” on the very latest information published. But that person may be in grave danger. For the “sources of life” are not out of the head, not out of the brain or mind, but, as Proverbs 4:23 tells us, ‘out of the heart.’ We can easily deceive ourselves unless we realize this. Remember, even individuals who have turned against the truth, who become apostates, do not instantly lose all Bible knowledge. Even though their hearts have decisively rejected God’s way, knowledge remains in their minds, though fading with time. So mental knowledge alone is not a sure guide to our spiritual health.

4. What does it mean to serve Jehovah with a complete heart?

⁴ Ask yourself, then: What kind of person am I in the ‘secret person of my heart’? Am I now serving Jehovah with a “complete heart,” with my “whole heart”? To serve with a “complete heart” means to serve with a heart that is all one way in its motivation, not halfhearted (Ps. 119:113) or doublehearted. (1 Chron. 12:33; Ps. 12:2) If we are serving with our whole heart, then pleasing Jehovah God is the greatest thing in our lives, our heart’s delight. Like the psalmist, we pray: “Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I shall walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name.” (Ps. 86:11) So, our heart is united, has singleness of purpose. (Prov. 23:19) Such a heart moves us steadily in one direction, Jehovah’s way.

GOOD MOTIVE VITAL IN ALL THAT WE DO

5. Having a complete heart will cause us to have what view of the various aspects of God’s service?

⁵ Serving with a complete heart means as well that our heart is right toward the full scope or complete range of what God’s service includes. This includes the marriage relationship, training of children, secular work, relations with neighbors, personal study, Christian meetings and assemblies, interest in one’s brothers, caring for congregational assignments and responsibilities. Our heart cannot be just partially in harmony with Jehovah’s will.

6, 7. (a) While the hearts of the Israelites moved them to be generous, what condition of heart was manifest by many only a short time later? (b) How is this an example for us?

⁶ Take, for example, the time when the tabernacle or tent of meeting was to be built. The Bible shows that the Israelites’ hearts moved them to contribute so generously that the things given, much of which they had to produce by manual work, “proved to be enough . . . and more than enough.” Moses, in fact, had to tell them not to bring any more. (Ex. 36:4-7) This was fine. But within a short time these same people were engaging in murmuring and complaining about their circumstances. (Num. 11:1-6, 10) Moses’ sister Miriam (who had sung Jehovah’s praise so joyously after the destruction of Pharaoh’s forces in the Red Sea) leagued with her brother Aaron in speaking against God’s appointed overseer for directing the nation. (Num. 12:1-8) The people in general gave way to fear and lack of faith when hearing bad reports from spies sent into Canaan, even talking of pelting Moses and Aaron with stones. (Num. 13:1, 2, 25-33; 14:1-10) They had contributed material goods and labor, but were they serving Jehovah with a “complete heart,” with their “whole heart”?​—Jas. 3:13, 14.

⁷ Are any of us like that? Do we give heartily of our material means, perhaps even perform fine services when there is a large-scale effort under way to accomplish some major project, as at an assembly or when building a Kingdom Hall; but afterward, possibly when things do not go just as well as we would like, do we give way to murmuring, complaining, even showing a spirit of rebelliousness?

8. Why must the heart be safeguarded at all times, not taking for granted that it will always motivate correctly?

⁸ Remembering the treachery that his heart can play, a Christian, though he knows the truth and may consider himself perfectly safe, must safeguard his heart if he would keep it “complete” in service to Jehovah. He must exercise great care not to place himself in the way of temptation. The apostle Paul cites the example of the Israelites’ sins, among them being gross fornication, and then says: “Consequently let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.” (1 Cor. 10:6-12) And the inspired writer of Proverbs says: “He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid, but he that is walking in wisdom is the one that will escape.”​—Prov. 28:26.

PROVISIONS FOR HAVING A COMPLETE HEART

9. How can we be sure of the “thoughts and intentions of the heart”?

⁹ To ‘walk in wisdom’ we need to examine our hearts regularly, test our motives, search out our weaknesses and work on remedying them. It is good for us to stop and think: “I know what my mind says, but what is in my heart. Why do I want to do this or that? What motive is it that is impelling me? Is my reasoning truly sincere or am I in effect trying to ‘pull the wool over my own eyes,’ excuse myself?” In view of the heart’s treachery, we need help. God provides it through his Word. “For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, . . . and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.”​—Heb. 4:12.

10, 11. (a) What provisions are made by Jehovah to help us to have a good and complete heart? (b) To what extent does a complete heart depend upon the individual?

¹⁰ But for the Bible to discern the thoughts and intentions on which our hearts have set themselves with benefit to us, we need to do our part. We need to ‘soften our hearts’ to the counsel we get, ‘incline our hearts’ to receive it. We have an abundance of spiritual food from God’s visible organization to help us “pay attention to wisdom with [our] ear, that [we] may incline [our] heart to discernment,” so that we will not have hearts “dull of understanding,” but have the ‘eyes of the heart’ enlightened. Since “the heart of the understanding one acquires knowledge, and the ear of wise ones seeks to find knowledge,” we are provided regular Christian meetings to attend, where instruction and association are wholesome and upbuilding. We have, too, “counsel in the heart of” mature men serving as overseers which we can discerningly ‘draw up’ as deep waters from their wells of experience in making practical application of Jehovah’s laws.​—2 Chron. 34:27; Prov. 2:1, 2; 18:15; 20:5; Mark 6:52; Eph. 1:18.

¹¹ But we must put forth the effort to get these benefits, to use them diligently in building and safeguarding our hearts. King Jehoshaphat was commended by Jehovah for ‘preparing his heart to search for the true God.’ (2 Chron. 19:3) “The understanding heart is one that searches for knowledge.” (Prov. 15:14) David did pray that God would “create in [him] even a pure heart,” but Jehovah does not do this miraculously, since “to earthly man belong the arrangings of the heart.”​—Ps. 51:10; Prov. 16:1.

12. Why is not a mental understanding of the truth sufficient?

¹² It is not enough to get a mental understanding, we need to be moved by what we learn, feel it in our hearts. Through the inspired writer our heavenly Father says: “My son, to my words do pay attention. To my sayings incline your ear. May they not get away from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those finding them and health to all their flesh. More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” (Prov. 4:20-23) Yes, we need to write what we learn ‘upon the tablet of our heart’ (Prov. 3:3; 7:3), and we can do this only if we take time to let God’s truth sink down into our heart, right into the middle of it, so that it will motivate us in a right way. (Ps. 37:31) Is that what you do when you engage in personal study at home? when you attend meetings?

13. (a) Rather than the mind wandering, a closer look may reveal what to be wandering? (b) What warning is given at Hebrews 3:12, and how does a “wicked heart lacking faith” often begin to be reflected first?

¹³ Sometimes we say that in our personal reading or at meetings we find that ‘our mind wanders.’ Perhaps so. Perhaps something a child does or some other distraction may divert our attention momentarily. But, being completely honest with ourselves, could it be that sometimes it is not our mind but our heart that starts to wander? Do we find ourselves thinking of material things, something we are going to buy, some project at home we are interested in, money matters, or find ourselves thinking on things of the flesh: food, entertainment, someone of the other sex? If we keep finding these things more interesting than the consideration of God’s Word and its splendid counsel, perhaps even wishing the meeting would end so we could devote attention to these other matters, then we are in trouble, in danger of having our hearts become insensitive as if covered with fat (Ps. 119:70), or become hardened and resistant to God’s guidance. (Heb. 3:8) This shows a lack of faith in Jehovah’s goodness, in his rewarding us for our faithful devotion to him, and shows that we are starting to look elsewhere for our reward. Christians are warned to beware “for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God.” (Heb. 3:12) The start of such a disastrous course generally shows itself first in our attitude toward God’s Word and our appreciation of what we read and hear from it.

14. Illustrate how the heart comes into play when it comes to appreciate for and attendance at Christian meetings.

¹⁴ So, too, with attendance itself at the meetings or with engaging in the ministry. It is normal for a person to be sick occasionally, and the sickness sometimes may be serious enough to keep him at home. Too, it is not unusual at times for a person simply to feel tired and have little energy for meetings or field service​—the flesh is weak even though the spirit is willing. So, occasionally we have to push ourselves to get started, knowing we will be glad we did. Thus, discipline is necessary in order to avoid going along with the selfish desires of the heart and the fallen flesh. Let us illustrate it this way: Suppose this is the night to go to the Kingdom Hall for Bible instruction, and as the time approaches a brother finds that he is just physically unable to go. My, how he would love to go! Well, he cannot make it. He is just too sick. But where is his heart? On the other hand, another brother comes home after working quite hard all day. His heart tells him subtly, ‘It would be quite nice to stay home tonight.’ (Remember, the heart is the seat of desire and motive.) But there has to be some kind of reason for staying home from the meetings. So, the heart motivates the mind to go to work on this, and almost before he knows it, up come several good-sounding reasons for staying home. If he is not very careful, he will not make it to the Kingdom Hall that night. Now, the same thing could happen with respect to any of our Christian activities. The point is: Where is our heart? If it wants to, desires to, loves to, it will usually find a way. Jesus summed it up when he said: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”​—Matt. 6:21.

15. When we find ourselves looking for reasons for not sharing in the ministry or attending meetings, what corrective measures should be taken right away?

¹⁵ Individuals also have personal or family responsibilities, and each one must arrange his own affairs as he feels best. Some months he may find it possible to devote more time to the field ministry than in others. This is his personal affair. But when we find ourselves looking for reasons to stay home from meetings or from engaging in field service, searching for excuses or pretexts to avoid these​—then we are in danger! Now our hearts are motivating us in the wrong way. When this happens we need to do as James says: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones.” (Jas. 4:8) We have a problem and we need to take it to our heavenly Father and tell him about it in prayer.

16. (a) What do our prayers reveal about our hearts? (b) What is meant by the invitation from Jehovah, “Do give your heart to me”?

¹⁶ This, too, is a means for examining our hearts. Perhaps as much as any other facet of our service to Jehovah God, our prayers reveal what our relationship with him is, how we feel toward him in the “secret person of the heart.” What kind of relationship with him do your prayers show that you have? Only you and he can know. But it should be a warm, trustful and intimate relationship, as of a son or daughter with a Father who is respected and loved with all one’s heart. (Prov. 4:3, 4) Is that the kind of relationship your prayers reveal? Or is your relationship just that of a mere speaking acquaintance, as with a neighbor, with one’s employer, or with a fairly good friend? If the relationship is not what it should be, you can be certain of one thing: It is through no fault of your heavenly Father. Like the writer of Proverbs 23:26, He says: “My son, do give your heart to me, and may those eyes of yours take pleasure in my own ways.” Open up your heart to him in your prayers, tell him what is in your heart, ask his aid in carrying out the right desires of your heart and in revealing to you its weaknesses and the remedy for them. Then give your heart to him by carrying through with the guidance he gives you by means of his Word, his spirit and the Christian congregation.

STRENGTHENING THE HEART IN ADVANCE

17. Why is it important to strengthen and safeguard the heart in advance of temptation?

¹⁷ We are living in a system that is daily becoming more and more degraded. This puts our hearts to ever greater tests as to the completeness of our devotion to Jehovah God and his service. If we are going to safeguard our hearts we must keep the heart in focus, remember its importance because of its capacity for motivation and affection. We should not wait for tests and temptations to hit us with their full force, but be strengthening our hearts long before to meet them.

18. What questions will help us to test out our motives?

¹⁸ When even the first thoughts of immorality manifest themselves, we should ask ourselves: “Would I really want to do such a thing, knowing what it will result in? Would I want to bring reproach on my family, on the congregation with which I associate? What about my mate? True, she (or he) may have faults, weaknesses​—but so do I. Do I want to cause the deep hurt such an act would surely bring? Is that gratitude for the years of my mate’s life that I have shared? More than that, am I really so ungrateful that I would do despite to Jehovah’s gift of his Son, treat Jesus’ death on a torture stake as if it were of no account, throw away all Jehovah’s undeserved kindness just for a few moments of illicit pleasure? Where is my love of decency, uprightness, honesty?”

19. What questions can we appropriately ask ourselves when we begin to feel the pull of materialism?

¹⁹ When we begin to feel the pull of materialism, the call of the present system to enter more fully into its supposed benefits and profits, we should ask ourselves, ask the “secret person of the heart”: “Can I honestly say that material things have ever really given me a joy that compares with Jehovah’s service, with my association with the brothers, with the pleasure of knowing that I have been of real help to others, aiding them on the way to life? What future does this world have to offer me that a righteous heart could really want? Do I want to place my affections on this system of things when I know full well that it would only use me for a while and then discard me when it had no more use for me?” True, we must wait for the blessings of God’s new order. But as James counsels: “You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close.”​—Jas. 5:7, 8.

20. When we are faced with issues involving neutrality, what should be reviewed in our hearts?

²⁰ Likewise, when pressured to abandon your neutral position regarding this world’s systems or in any way break your integrity to God, review in your heart the despicable things that the god of this world, Satan the Devil, has fomented among the nations​—the bloodshed, crime, greed and cruelty. How could we possibly agree even for a moment to put ourselves on his side? Even if he persecutes us, jails us, tortures us, how could we possibly deny Jehovah, the God of the new system of things, in favor of Satan and his beastlike, corrupt and heartless systems?

21. (a) How can we prevent our hearts from becoming “weighed down,” seeing that we are keep into the “time of the end”? (b) How did Solomon fail in following the advice of his father in maintaining a complete heart?

²¹ By similar means we can strengthen our hearts in their love for all that is right, decent and honest and cultivate a genuine hatred for all that Jehovah condemns and detests. (1 Chron. 29:17; Heb. 1:9) But once we have developed a good heart, it cannot be taken for granted. It must be safeguarded. “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth.” (Luke 21:34, 35) Solomon prayed to Jehovah for an obedient heart and for discernment in judging God’s people. Even though “God continued giving Solomon wisdom and understanding in very great measure and a broadness of heart,” how sad it is to read that “it came about in the time of Solomon’s growing old that his wives themselves had inclined his heart to follow other gods; and his heart did not prove to be complete with Jehovah his God like the heart of David his father.” (1 Ki. 4:29; 11:1-6) Just imagine! After being blessed so abundantly with wisdom from Jehovah and having so many privileges in connection with Jehovah’s typical kingdom and building the magnificent temple of Jehovah, he allowed his heathen wives to draw his heart away to worship other gods! And he was one who, under inspiration, wrote so much about the heart.

22. Why is it essential that we serve Jehovah not only because we must but also because we want to do his will?

²² Whatever we do and in all that we do, then, let us do it wholeheartedly as to Jehovah. He is very pleased with such service. He is not an ungrateful God. He is appreciative of all we do; he finds delight in rewarding us, blessing us, giving us gifts. But our service must be sincere, genuine, with our whole heart. He can see through any subterfuge, see when we are doing things for other reasons. He can see when we are concerned more with a report than with our praise to Him, or concerned with our appearance, our impression on others, or are doing things simply because we feel we have to. True, we must serve if we want life. But we will never hold out, never endure, never reach the goal unless we want to do this, have a heartfelt longing to serve Jehovah, long to live in a time when we can serve him perfectly, free from all the things that now make us commit wrongs and fall short of his perfect standards.

23. (a) What may be the reasons why some drop out of the race for life? (b) How can we confidently pray as did Paul, in behalf of those seeking to have a complete heart?

²³ Everything points to the nearness of God’s new order. Yet even at this late hour some who have been in Jehovah’s service for many years are dropping away. Why? Could it be the spirit of independence, or that they realize that soon God’s government will assume full control over all surviving earthly inhabitants and that, in their hearts, they really do not want this, do not want this fullness of control that righteous rule will bring? Having searched for Jehovah and having found him, keep your heart complete toward him, love and serve him with your whole heart. Do not leave him or he will cast you off forever. As Paul prayed for his brothers in his day, so we now pray for you: “May the Lord continue directing your hearts successfully into the love of God and into the endurance for the Christ.”​—2 Thess. 3:5.