Rare is the man of whom it can be said he has a “pure heart”, meaning sincere, honest and without hypocrisy. Such a man is highlighted in Proverbs 22:11 as a man who is the friend of the king.
Proverbs 22:11 – “He that loveth [has affection; like; having a strong emotional attachment to] pureness [cleansed from sin] of heart [mind; will; understanding], for the grace [favor; kindness] of his lips [language; speech] the king shall be his friend [companion; brother].”
The Lord said of Nathanael [called Bartholomew in the other Gospels], “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47) What a wonderful compliment from One who could look past the exterior appearance of a man and weigh the matters of his heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
The Lord saw in Nathanael what a faithful leader treasures among his friends and confidants—honesty, sincerity; a man without his own agenda and is worthy of his trust. In His Sermon on the Mount, Christ named among the attitudes God treasures those who are “pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8).
Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart [seat of man’s feelings and emotions]: for they shall see God.”
Choosing to be an honest, sincere man in word and deed is not welcome by the world; however, it is valued by God and leaders who covet the counsel of men whose motives are pure and their lips seasoned with grace and wisdom.
I long to be that man; not the one the world applauds, but the man God promises, “they shall see God” (Mt. 5:8b).
What about you?
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith