‘Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?’ (Proverbs 20:9 ESV).
Solomon’s rhetorical question assumes a negative response. The sinfulness of humanity was an accepted reality in his day. Yet, this wisdom has been thrown into question in modern times by the tenets of humanism. The philosophy of humanism stresses the idea that humans are born inherently good and so with sufficient resources and education all children will turn out well.
However, God’s Word teaches that humanity is inherently sinful. As the Word says, “All have sinned” (Rom. 3:23). This is a profound distinction. The real problem with humanity is not environmental factors, but the human heart. What is needed is heart change.
Yet, who can make their own “heart pure?” Who can “clean” their own heart of sin? No one. This is the first step towards getting help. Admitting that we are sinners. We must first accept this basic truth about ourselves, that we are sinful and powerless to do anything to change. We need rescue. We need Jesus.
We can come before the Lord as David did praying, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psa. 51:10). Only the Lord Jesus Christ can give us pure and clean hearts.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess our sins to You knowing that You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank You not only for forgiving us through Jesus, but for also creating in us a new and pure heart for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.