“For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
“And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
Joh 2:24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people
1 Chronicles 28:9 “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Genesis 6:5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Hebrews 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Jeremiah 16:12 and because you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, every one of you follows his stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to me.
Psalms 53:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
Proverbs 28:26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
We don’t have to look very far into our heart to see self pride poking up. The closer we are to God the more our sinful nature is exposed. We easily find thoughts entering our mind about something we have done or some plan we have executed that gives way to pride. It does us good to remember that all we have is at the hand of God. Any wisdom or physical accomplishments come because of what He has given to us. We can use these gifts in a way that humbly honors God, or we can use them in a way that shows pride in our heart and mind trying to bring the honor and praise to ourselves. I think this is common to all mankind and is a battle we must fight every waking moment. Our purpose this side of eternity is to humbly serve, honor, follow, and obey God. The only way to escape pride is with our heart, mind, eyes, and ears turned to Him.