Since our heart has heart waves that are detectable by EKG,
are felt by others, are stronger than our brain waves as noted by EEG’s, and
have the ability to change the atmosphere around us, we want to take special
notice of the importance of the thoughts of our hearts. Can we change our heart
waves from negative to positive? Can we make them stronger? Can we “feel” the
benefits of heart waves that align with the word of God? As we have studied the
heart, the mind, the soul, thoughts, and the kidneys, we have noted that some
of the areas responsible for our mental and emotional wellbeing have been
misunderstood. We have not looked to our Creator for the answers, but instead
have looked to other humans for understanding. It seems only logical to look to
the one who Created Anthropos rather than to look to other Claymation creatures
to explain how we are wired for thoughts, emotions, and breath life. Ecclesiasticus gives us some wisdom that we can
apply to live more stable lives. Our countenance and expressions are like a
mirror of our heart. The thoughts and intents of our heart shine out of our
faces whether our thoughts are good or evil. Therefore when others see our
visage and feel our heart waves, we are either exhibiting a life filled with
the Holy Spirit’s peace and joy, or we are mimicking the evil of the world
around us. While we look at these things we can see where we may have failed
our younger generation in not giving them the tools or life skills to be able
to handle their own emotions. This is practical help for all of us.
Two great wisdom writers are Solomon and Joshua ben Sirach.
Both writers help us to understand the inner depths of this subject. If we keep
to the premise that each word is unique in its meaning and understanding and
not the same as similar words we can make more sense out of this subject. The
understanding that deep thoughts originate in the heart, while passing thoughts
originate in the mind, and emotions resonate from the kidneys was a common
knowledge in these two wisdom writers’ days. And they understood the effects of
heart waves on countenance. Let’s explore.
Ecclus 13:25-26 The heart of a man changeth his
countenance, whether it be for good or evil: and a merry heart maketh a
cheerful countenance.26 A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in
prosperity; and the finding out of parables is a wearisome labour of the mind.
KJV
The Wisdom of Joshua ben Sirach is that whatever is in our
heart will change our countenance. It is always desirable to have a merry heart
as opposed to a sour, bitter, angry, or depressive heart. If our countenance is
cheerful it is because our heart prospers in Him. Our mind labors in parables,
but our heart stirs up cheer and merriment that is expressed on our face. No
matter how hard a parable is to understand, and no matter how long we strive to
understand the mystery, our heart exudes joy.
Jesus could perceive the thoughts of the scribes. It may
have been quite obvious when Jesus told the paralytic that his sins were
forgiven that the scribes furrowed their brows and whispered their disapproval
among themselves. But the word used here for knowing is eido, meaning “perceive, know, see, and ascertain”. It is also used
of “perceived by any of the senses”. Could Jesus feel their heart waves?
Matt 9:4G2532And G1492Jesus knowing G3588 G* G3588 G1761their
thinking, G1473 G2036said, G2444Why G1473do you G1760ponder G4190wicked things
G1722in G3588 G2588your hearts? G1473
1492 Thayer:
1) to see
1a) to perceive with the eyes
1b) to perceive by any of the senses
1c) to perceive, notice, discern, discover
1d) to see
1d1) i.e. to turn the eyes, the mind, the attention to anything
1d2) to pay attention, observe
1d3) to see about something
1d31) i.e. to ascertain what must be done about it
1d4) to inspect, examine
1d5) to look at, behold
1e) to experience any state or condition
1f) to see i.e. have an interview with, to visit
2) to know
2a) to know of anything
2b) to know, i.e. get knowledge of, understand, perceive
2b1) of any fact
2b2) the force and meaning of something which has definite meaning
2b3) to know how, to be skilled in
2c) to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to (
1Th. 5:12)
For Synonyms see entry G5825
1a) to perceive with the eyes
1b) to perceive by any of the senses
1c) to perceive, notice, discern, discover
1d) to see
1d1) i.e. to turn the eyes, the mind, the attention to anything
1d2) to pay attention, observe
1d3) to see about something
1d31) i.e. to ascertain what must be done about it
1d4) to inspect, examine
1d5) to look at, behold
1e) to experience any state or condition
1f) to see i.e. have an interview with, to visit
2) to know
2a) to know of anything
2b) to know, i.e. get knowledge of, understand, perceive
2b1) of any fact
2b2) the force and meaning of something which has definite meaning
2b3) to know how, to be skilled in
2c) to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to (
1Th. 5:12)
For Synonyms see entry G5825
Jesus perceived their thinking. The word for thinking here
is enthumesis meaning what one
considers or inwardly reflects on. Where is this type of thinking done? In the
heart. One ponders, considers, and reflects in the heart. This would also tell
us that whatever it was the scribes were considering, Jesus could feel it.
1761 LSJ Gloss: ἐνθύμησις consideration, esteem
Dodson: ἐνθύμησις inward thought, reflection, thoughts inward
thought, reflection, plur: thoughts.
Thayer:
1) a thinking, consideration
2) thoughts
2) thoughts
ἐνθύμησις enthumēsis en-thoo'-may-sis From G1760; deliberation
KJV Usage: device, thought.
Jesus goes on to ask why they are pondering wicked things. This
is the same word we just noted in a different tense enthumeomai. Jesus perceived their ponderings, and then asked why
they ponder evil in their hearts. Jesus simply does not leave anything to the
imagination. He forces the truth about what was in their hearts by asking why
they consider evil in their hearts. Where are the thoughts? In the heart. What
type of thoughts were the scribes dwelling on? Evil thoughts. Malicious
thoughts.
1760 LSJ Gloss: ἐνθυμέομαι to lay to heart, consider well,
reflect on, ponder
Dodson: ἐνθυμέομαι I meditate upon, reflect upon I meditate
upon, reflect upon, ponder.
Thayer:
1) to bring to mind, revolve in mind, ponder
2) to think, to deliberate
2) to think, to deliberate
ἐνθυμέομαι enthumeomai en-thoo-meh'-om-ahee From a compound of G1722 and G2372; to be inspirited, that is, ponder KJV Usage: think.
4190 LSJ Gloss: πονηρός toilsome, painful, grievous
Dodson: πονηρός evil, bad, wicked evil, bad, wicked,
malicious, slothful.
Thayer:
1) full of labours, annoyances, hardships
1a) pressed and harassed by labours
1b) bringing toils, annoyances, perils; of a time full of peril to Christian faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble
2) bad, of a bad nature or condition
2a) in a physical sense: diseased or blind
2b) in an ethical sense: evil wicked, bad
1a) pressed and harassed by labours
1b) bringing toils, annoyances, perils; of a time full of peril to Christian faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble
2) bad, of a bad nature or condition
2a) in a physical sense: diseased or blind
2b) in an ethical sense: evil wicked, bad
πονηρός ponēros pon-ay-ros' From a derivative of G4192; hurtful, that is, evil (properly in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from G4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively calamitous; also (passively) ill, that is, diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, that is, derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners KJV Usage: bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked (-ness). See also G4191.
Jesus perceived the negative thoughts in the hearts of the
scribes who disapproved of the paralyzed person’s sins being forgiven. Instead
of rejoicing, or being happy for the individual, the scribes behaved, in their
hearts, ethically evil. Jesus points out where the bad thoughts are. They are
being generated in their kardia. This
is deeper than head or brain thoughts, this is more profound within the very
being of the individual. Why were they thinking evil thoughts? Why do people
think evil as compared to good in their hearts? Those are some great questions.
Unless we get in touch with our inner thoughts and actually listen to them, we
may not know what is happening in our hearts.
If we remember what we looked at last week when David
prayed over Solomon, we see another aspect of thoughts and ideas. David says that
Yahweh knows every idea of intentions. Every pondering in one’s heart is known
to God.
I Chron 28:9G2532And G3568now, G*Solomon
G5207O my son, G1473 G1097know G3588the G2316God G3588 G3962of your
fathers, G1473 G2532and G1398serve G1473to him G1722with G2588[2heart
G50461a
perfect] G2532and
G5590[2soul
G23091a
willing]! G3754For
G3956[3of
all G25884hearts
G18332inquires
diligently G29621 the lord],
G2532and G3956every G1760.1idea G1271of thoughts G1097he knows. G1437If G2212you should
seek G1473him, G2147he will be
found G1473by you.
G2532And G1437if G2641you should
leave G1473him, G2641he shall leave
G1473you G1519to G5056the end
Sometimes when we don’t understand things completely we
have to think on or ponder them. Many times when the Holy Spirit gives us
revelation concerning something we simply don’t understand we need to take the
time to think on it. Joseph pondered the idea about taking Mary as his wife.
While the Essenes/Nazarenes/Therapeutaes were all expecting the messiah to be
born to a virgin, when it finally happened, everyone needed time to believe it
was actually happening in their time. That is why sending Joseph, Mary, and
Jesus into Egypt was the safest place for them. Not only did they have the
influence of the Therapeutaes, they were protected from Herod. But Joseph
needed a little assurance at first that this was really happening. He took time
to ponder it in his heart, and then the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in
a dream.
Matthew 1:20G3778[4these things G11611And
G14732of
his G17603pondering],
G2400behold, G32an angel G2962of the Lord
G2596by G3677dream G5316appeared G1473to him, G3004saying, G*Joseph G5207son G*of David, G3361you should not
fear G5399 G3880to take to
yourself G*Mary G3588 G1135your wife; G1473 G3588for the one G1063 G1722in G1473her G1080[2engendered
G15373of
G41515spirit
G1510.2.31is
G394holy].
Peter had a similar experience. When he was unsure of what
he was seeing, he pondered the vision until the men sent from Cornelius came to
find him.
Acts 10: 19G3588 G1161And G*Peter G1760pondering G4012over G3588the G3705vision, G2036[3said
G14734to
him G35881the
G41512spirit],
G2400Behold, G435[2men G51401three]
G2212seek G1473you;
When we ponder revelation, we consider what was revealed to
us, and then we receive an answer. Like Joseph it could be in a dream; or like
Peter, something physical may happen that answers some of our questions. Again,
if we look at Hebrews 4:12 which has so much for us to study, then we see that
the word of God is also a discerner of our ponderings.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and
sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul
and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
Heb 4:12G2198[5 is living G10631For
G35882the
G30563word
G3588 G23164of
God], G2532and G1756active, G2532and G5114sharper G5228than G3956any G3162[2sword
G13661double-edged],
G2532and G1338penetrating G891as far as G3311the distribution
G5590of both
soul G5037 G2532and G4151spirit, G719also of joints G5037 G2532and G3452marrows, G2532and G2924is a
discerner G1761of the thinking
G2532and G1771reflections G2588of the heart
Let’s look at the word translated reflections, as in “reflections of the heart”. It’s the word ennoia.
1771 LSJ Gloss: ἔννοια a thought in the mind, notion,
conception
Dodson: ἔννοια thought, intention, purpose thinking,
consideration; a thought, purpose, design, intention.
Thayer:
1) the act of thinking, consideration, meditation
2) a thought, notion, conception
3) mind, understanding, will, manner of feeling, and thinking
2) a thought, notion, conception
3) mind, understanding, will, manner of feeling, and thinking
ἔννοια ennoia en'-noy-ah From a compound of G1722 and G3563; thoughtfulness, that is, moral understanding KJV Usage: intent, mind.
The purpose of Solomon’s Proverbs is so that people,
especially the young, could receive understanding and reflection. Why
reflection? Because when one reflects, one does not make hasty and rash
decisions. Consider what Solomon says.
Prov 1: 4G2443that G1325he should give
G172to the guileless
G3834astuteness,
G3816[3child
G11611but
G35012 to
the young] G144perception,
G5037and also G2532 G1771reflection.
There seems to be a safeguard built in to consideration and
reflection. It seems that wisdom is allowed to stir up one’s thinking, good
counsel becomes a safeguard, and sacred reflection keeps one from the evil way.
Prov 2: 10G1437For if G1063 G2064[2shall
come G3588 G46781wisdom]
G1519into G4674your G1271consideration,
G3588 G1161and G144perception G3588 G4674[4for
your G55905soul
G25703good
G1510.12to
be G13801shall
seem]; 11G1012[2counsel
G25701good]
G5442shall guard
G1473you, G1771[3reflection
G11611and
G37412sacred]
G5083will keep G1473you, 12G2443that G4506it should
rescue G1473you G575from G3598[2way
G25561 the evil],
G2532and G575from G435the man
G2980speaking G3367nothing G4103trustworthy
Solomon goes on to say that the heart of an intelligent man
acquires perception and that the wise man’s ears seek meditation and
consideration.
Prov 18: 15G2588The heartG5429of an
intelligent manG2932acquiresG144perception;G3775and earsG1161 G4680of the wiseG2212seekG1771insight.
Solomon tells us to straighten out the reflections of our
heart. We have to be able to do it if he tells us to. Heart reflections are
important as we will soon see.
Prov 23: 19G191Hear, G5207O son, G2532and G4680[2wise
G10961be],
G2532and G2720straighten out
G1771the
reflections G4674of
your G2588heart!
Peter says something interesting; we are to arm ourselves
with the reflection of Christ’s suffering for us.
1 Peter 4: 1G5547Christ G3767then G3958having
suffered G5228for
G1473us G4561in flesh, G2532you also G1473 G3588with the
G1473same G1771reflection G3695be armed! G3754For G3588the one G3958suffering G1722in G4561flesh, G3973has ceased G266of sin;
This tells us that what we think on inside our heart is not
just for our countenance, our wisdom, or our intelligence, but it is also for
endurance in our suffering. It is a type of armor. This means that we have to
think on Christ’s suffering in His flesh. We have to consider the aspects of
Jesus’ death in our heart. This is important for us to do. We may think that we
do not have to think positively, or think on the wise sayings of the words
written as the Holy Spirit inspired, but if we don’t, we will be easily
distressed in suffering. Think about that. If we are always complaining and
feeling badly, are we reflecting on Christ’s suffering? Probably not. How can
we change our downtrodden heart? By considering and reflecting on Christ.
The Essenes/Nazarenes/Therapeutaes believed and understood
these principals and prayed and praised Yahweh for how he strengthens the heart
to not forget His ways. They praise Him for helping them to pursue His ways.
The Ways of Righteousness 4Q436 (Combined with
4Q435 1) 1 And Thou dost strengthen the heart… to walk in Thy ways.
Thou hast visited my heart and Thou has sharpened my kidneys (affections) that
they may not forget Thy precepts…Thou hast… Thy law. Thou hast opened my
kidneys and hast strengthened me to pursue Thy ways…Thou hast made my mouth
into a sharp sword and opened my tongue for words of holiness.
2 And Thou hast placed [the spirit of holine]ss into my
heart and hast taken away from me the eyes of fornication.
Yahweh visits our heart, imparts the Holy Spirit, and
sharpens our kidneys so that we are able to walk in His ways.
The Wisdom of Joshua ben Sirach helps us again. What he
points out is that someone who makes a habit of mean and scornful words will
never be reformed. If we make negative evil thinking and reflection a way of
life, we will be multiplied in our sins.
Ecclus 23:15-20 The man that is accustomed to opprobrious
words will never be reformed all the days of his life.16 Two sorts of men
multiply sin, and the third will bring wrath: a hot mind is as a burning fire,
it will never be quenched till it be consumed: a fornicator in the body of his
flesh will never cease till he hath kindled a fire.17 All bread is sweet to a
whoremonger, he will not leave off till he die.18 A man that breaketh wedlock,
saying thus in his heart, Who seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness, the
walls cover me, and no body seeth me; what need I to fear? the most High will
not remember my sins:19 Such a man only feareth the eyes of men, and knoweth
not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun,
beholding all the ways of men, and considering the most secret parts.20 He knew
all things ere ever they were created; so also after they were perfected he
looked upon them all.KJV
Opprobrious means
“abusive and mean, scornful, taunting; criticizing in a mean and hurtful way”.
What comes out of a heart can be evil or good. What if what comes out of one’s
heart is evil? What if the EKG waves are abusive, mean, or hurtful? Those
negative waves will affect everyone around them. Instead of an uplifting or
life giving experience, that person is generating an energy that causes death
in those around them. Think that through. If all one does is complain,
criticize, or behave in a hurtful way towards others, they are producing waves
of death and destruction in the lives of others. As Joshua ben Sirach says, “A hot soul is a
burning fire, and a man that is wicked in the mouth will not stop saying wicked
things until he starts a fire”.
Ecclus 23:20-28 The man that is accustomed to opprobrious
words, will never be corrected all the days of his life.21 Two sorts of men
multiply sins, and the third bringeth wrath and destruction.22 A hot soul is a
burning fire, it will never be quenched, till it devour some thing.23 And a man
that is wicked in the mouth of his flesh, will not leave off till he hath
kindled a fire.24 To a man that is a fornicator all bread is sweet, he will not
be weary of sinning unto the end.25 Every man that passeth beyond his own bed,
despising his own soul, and saying: Who seeth me?26 Darkness compasseth me
about, and the walls cover me, and no man seeth me: whom do I fear? the most
High will not remember my sins.27 And he understandeth not that his eye seeth
all things, for such a man's fear driveth from him the fear of God, and the
eyes of men fearing him:28 And he knoweth not that the eyes of the Lord are far
brighter than the sun, beholding round about all the ways of men, and the
bottom of the deep, and looking into the hearts of men, into the most hidden
parts. Douay-Rheims
The first type of person intentionally tries to devour
people, the second type of person tries to set others on fire. The third type
of person who multiplies sins is a fornicator who thinks he gets away with sin
because men don’t see him, however Yahweh does see him. If we have a healthy
fear of God we won’t intentionally sin. The eyes of Yahweh are brighter than
the sun and can see the ways of men and the hearts of men, even into the most
hidden parts of them.
If we look at The
Seductress from Qumran cave 4, we see that she is described with her heart
as a snare and her kidneys as a hunter’s net. She is the one who uses her heart
waves and emotions to entrap people. The seductress uses her evil ways from the
very inside core of her being, and like the fornicator, she multiplies sins and
thinks no one sees her.
The Seductress (4Q184) Her
heart is set up as a snare, and her kidneys (affections) as a fowler’s nets.
Her eyes are defiled with iniquity, her hands have seized hold of the Pit.
All evil conspired in the heart is to the snaring of the
righteous and innocent. If heart waves can manipulate for evil they can also
influence for good. Therefore Joshua ben Sirach says to keep our mind on the
ordinances of the Lord and meditate on His commands.
Ecclus 6:37 Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord
and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart,
and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire. KJV
If we set our thinking and inner sacred reflections on Him,
He will establish our heart and give us wisdom. If we remember, Peter said to
reflect on Chirst’s suffering then we will also be armed for suffering, and if
we have a good heart towards the Lord then we will rejoice with a cheerful
countenance.
Ecclus 26:4 Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a
good heart toward the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful
countenance. KJV
Here is a great key for our lives. We should surround
ourselves with godly people because when we do they will help us to stay
faithful, like watchmen. Sometimes our minds’ are slow to hear or recognize
trouble. So along with good friends we need to pray for Yahweh to direct our
way.
Ecclus 37:12-17 But be continually with a godly man, whom
thou knowest to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose, mind is according to
thy mind, and will sorrow with thee, if thou shalt miscarry.13 And let the
counsel of thine own heart stand: for there is no man more faithful unto thee
than it.14 For a man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven
watchmen, that sit above in an high tower.15 And above all this pray to the
most High, that he will direct thy way in truth.16 Let reason go before every
enterprize, and counsel before every action.17 The countenance is a sign of
changing of the heart.KJV
To let reason go before every endeavor, we have to consider
and reflect on the enterprise we are about to undertake. Then we can ask our
friends, who are godly, for counsel. This is how we avoid pitfalls. Then the
countenance, the face, is a sign of a changing heart. Our face will reflect our
heart, which is right with the Lord. Solomon tells us the same thing.
Proverbs 15:13G2588With the heart G2165being glad G4383the face
G2281.1flourishes;
G1722[3in
G11611but
G30774distresses
G1510.62being]
G4658.1it
looks downcast. 14G2588[2heart
G37171An
upright] G2212seeks
G144perception; G4750but the mouth
G521of the uninstructed
G1097shall know G2556evils.
When our heart is glad, reflecting on Christ’s suffering,
and pondering on His ways, our face will flourish. An upright heart seeks
perception, understanding, and we will look good. Isn’t that what the unsaved
see in us, a glowing face or a downcast face? Isn’t that the reflection of what
is being considered in our hearts? What’s more, others can feel or perceive our
EKG’s or heart waves. They may not understand it but they know how they feel
when they are around us. Our face expresses what is in our heart and our heart
waves vibrate in a positive life giving way to all those around us. So Paul
helps us out. When we dissect what Paul says, he firstly expects that we will
be praying, supplicating, and thanking God, and doing so, so that we will not
be anxious. Understand Paul’s inference, making requests alleviates anxiety and
brings peace. That is when our logical mind is surpassed and our heart and
thoughts are guarded by God’s peace. Then Paul tells us to consider what is
true, serious, just, pure, friendly, of good report, virtue and high
praise.
Phil 4:6G3367Let no one G3309be anxious, G235but G1722in G3956all G3588 G4335prayer G2532and G3588 G1162supplication G3326with G2169thankfulness G3588 G155[2your requests G1473 G11071let]
be made known G4314toG3588 G2316God!
7G2532And G3588the G1515peace G3588 G2316of God, G3588the one G5242surpassing G3956every G3563mind, G5432shall guard G3588 G2588your hearts G1473 G2532and G3588 G3540your thoughts G1473 G1722in G5547Christ G*Jesus.
8G3588For the G3062rest, G80brethren, G3745as much as G1510.2.3is
G227true, G3745as much as G4586is serious,
G3745as much as G1342is just,
G3745as much as G53is pure,
G3745as much as G4375is friendly,
G3745as much as G2163is of
good report, G1536if
any G703virtue G2532and G1536if any G1868high praise, G3778these things
G3049consider!
If we do two basic things our hearts and thoughts will be
guarded; pray and consider. Pray in all the aspects of prayer and consider in
all the aspects of pondering in our hearts. Paul takes the regular mind out of
the equation by connecting with Yahweh in our heart. It doesn’t matter what our
brain thinks, it matters what our hearts consider. Like Peter told us, reflect
on the suffering of Christ and we will be armed. Consider the words written and
inspired by the Holy Spirit as food for the heart so that the heart grows in
strength, sending out life giving EKG’s which is expressed on our visage.
A prayer of blessing found in Qumran is something for us to
reflect on. Hiding the written words of the Holy Spirit in our heart as Psalms
119:11 suggests.
The Blessing of the Prince of the Congregation
(4Q408) p389 [May he shed upon you the spirit of counsel] and everlasting
might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of God; may righteousness be the
girdle [of your loins] and may your reins be girdled [with faithfulness]!
