The Life and Ministry of Jesus
When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” Mark 7:17–23
There are six singular nouns depicting evil dispositions: deceit, cunning maneuvers designed to ensnare someone for one’s personal advantage; lewdness, unrestrained and unconcealed immoral behavior; envy, a begrudging, jealous attitude toward the possessions of others; slander, injurious or defaming speech against God or man; arrogance, boastfully exalting oneself above others who are viewed with scornful contempt; and folly, moral and spiritual insensitivity.
All these evils defile a person, and have their source from inside, from one’s heart. So Jesus took the focus away from external rituals and placed it on the need for God to cleanse one’s evil heart. 1
Personal Encouragement
Review these sins. Examine your heart. Ask forgiveness of any sins that apply.
Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. Romans 13:13
To walk properly means you are now walking after the spirit, and not the flesh.
A Prayer
Lord, forgive me for not asking for Your forgiveness sooner. Cleanse my heart now.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
