# Is “Follow your heart” in the Bible?

> No. “Follow your heart” is not in the Bible.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/follow-your-heart
By Andrew Kittridge · November 9, 2026

Scripture does not trust the heart as a guide. It calls the heart deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), warns Israel not to follow their own heart and eyes (Numbers 15:39), and says to trust the Lord instead of your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Not in the Bible. Origin uncertain.

## What the Bible says instead

> The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and it is incurably sick. Who can know it?
>
> — [Jeremiah 17:9](https://www.lumin.faith/read/jeremiah/17#9) (Lumin Translation)

> You will have these tassels to look at, and so you will remember all Yahweh’s commandments and do them, and you will not follow your own heart and your own eyes, which lead you to prostitute yourselves.
>
> — [Numbers 15:39](https://www.lumin.faith/read/numbers/15#39) (Lumin Translation)

> Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways know him, and he will make your paths smooth.
>
> — [Proverbs 3:5-6](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/3#5) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Is “Follow your heart” in the Bible?

No. “Follow your heart” is not in the Bible. Scripture does not trust the heart as a guide. It calls the heart deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), warns Israel not to follow their own heart and eyes (Numbers 15:39), and says to trust the Lord instead of your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

### What does the Bible say instead?

Read Jeremiah 17:9, Numbers 15:39, Proverbs 3:5-6. Scripture does not trust the heart as a guide. It calls the heart deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), warns Israel not to follow their own heart and eyes (Numbers 15:39), and says to trust the Lord instead of your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

## More

- [Is “Good things come to those who wait” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/good-things-come-to-those-who-wait.md)
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- [Is “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-lord-gives-and-the-lord-takes-away.md)
- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)