The Hebrew words leb and lebab both mean "heart." But these words are difficult to translate. They rarely refer to the physical human heart. Instead, these terms usually refer to the center of a person's being. They represent a person's thoughts, reflections, will, and motives. The story of someone's heart shows their commitment and the direction of their life.
The psalms speak a lot about the heart. The hearts of evil people are clever and full of schemes (Psalm 58:2; 64:6; 140:2). They are deceptive, hypocritical, greedy, jealous, and lack honesty (10:3; 28:3; 41:6; 55:21; 62:4; 141:4). Over time, they become more arrogant, careless, and stubborn (14:1; 17:10; 73:7; 78:8; 81:12; 95:8, 10; 101:5; 119:70). Evil people are only loyal to themselves (78:37). Their harmful way of life leads to their own destruction (5:9).
Meanwhile, the writers of the psalms openly express their sorrow, trouble, suffering, and desperation (13:2; 22:14; 25:17; 38:8, 10; 40:12; 55:4; 61:2; 69:20; 73:21, 26; 109:22; 143:4; 147:3). Through their pain, their hearts grow. Their character becomes stronger, and their relationship with God deepens because of these painful experiences. They pray intensely (62:8; 119:145). They desire God (84:2). They trust in him (28:7). They invite God to examine their hearts or motives (7:9; 17:3; 26:2; 139:1–6, 23). Their commitment remains steady, and they have "a pure heart" (24:4; 51:10; 73:1, 13). They are content, even when humbled (131:1).
As God heals their broken hearts (their deep emotional pain, sorrow, or distress), they become strong and confident (34:17–18; 51:17; 27:3, 14; 31:24; 57:7; 108:1; 112:7–8; 138:3). They are full of life (22:26; 69:32). In the end, God satisfies them and fulfills what their hearts desire (20:4; 21:2; 37:4). This brings joy and praise to godly people (4:7; 9:1; 13:5; 16:7, 9; 19:8; 30:11–12; 33:21; 86:12; 89:50; 102:4; 105:3; 111:1; 119:7, 111; 138:1).
Passages for Further Study
Psalms 7:9; 9:1; 13:2; 14:1; 16:7–9; 17:3; 19:8; 20:4; 21:2; 22:14, 26; 24:4; 26:2; 27:3, 14; 28:3, 7; 33:21; 34:17–18; 37:4; 38:8, 10; 51:10, 17; 55:4, 21; 57:7; 58:2; 61:2; 62:4, 8–10; 64:6; 69:20; 73:1, 7, 13, 21, 26; 78:8, 37; 81:12; 84:2; 86:12; 89:50; 95:8, 10; 102:4; 108:1; 109:22; 111:1; 119:70, 111, 145; 131:1; 138:1; 139:1–24; 140:2; 147:3