Should You Follow Your Heart? What the Bible Really Says

Many people say, “Follow your heart,” as if it is the best guide in life. It sounds good, even inspiring, but is that what the Bible teaches? Scripture actually has a lot to say about the heart—sometimes describing it as a place of love and devotion to God, and other times warning us that it is deceitful and dangerous. Understanding this contrast is crucial for those who truly want to walk in God’s truth.

In Deuteronomy 6:5 God calls us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” A heart fully devoted to Him is a heart that seeks after righteousness. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8). Proverbs tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5). A heart surrendered to God finds strength in Him, as the psalmist declared, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26). The Bible is clear that the heart can be a place of faith and trust when it is aligned with God.

But the Bible also warns us that the heart cannot always be trusted. Jeremiah describes it this way: “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Proverbs gives a strong warning: “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be rescued.” (Proverbs 28:26). Jesus Himself explained, “For from within, out of the hearts of people, come evil thoughts, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of greed, wickedness, deceit, indecent behavior, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the person.” (Mark 7:21-23). From the very beginning, in the days of Noah, God saw that mankind’s heart was corrupted, as Genesis records, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5). These warnings remind us that emotions and desires can lead us away from the truth if they are not surrendered to God.

Because the heart can be both devoted and deceptive, Scripture teaches us to guard it. Proverbs commands, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). David understood this when he cried out to God, “Create in me a clean heart, God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). God is the only one who can truly change the heart. He promises in Ezekiel, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26). A heart transformed by God is no longer bound by its own deceit but is guided by His truth.

So, should we follow our hearts? The Bible makes it clear that the heart, on its own, is not a trustworthy guide. Instead of following it, we are called to surrender it. A heart that is left to its own desires will lead us away from God, but a heart given fully to Him will be shaped and directed by His wisdom. Rather than relying on what we feel or want in the moment, we must trust in the Lord with all our heart and allow Him to guide our steps. “The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). The world says, “Follow your heart.” God says, “Give me your heart, and I will make it new.”

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

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I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)