Policy and Heart

Heart Condition

Policy Outcome

Bible Verses to Consider

Fear of Man

Caters to popular opinion over truth

Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV)
The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.

Fear of God

Upholds divine law and moral order

Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Greed

Promotes self-interest over stewardship

1 Timothy 6:9–10 (NKJV)
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts
which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which
some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Giving

Encourages voluntary charity, not forced redistribution

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Humility

Promotes integrity and service in leadership

Proverbs 11:2 (NKJV)
When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. James 4:6 (NKJV)
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Pride

Seeks to preserve power for self

Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV)
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Compassion

Supports private and church-based aid for the vulnerable

James 1:27 (NKJV)
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows
in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Indifference

Neglects duty, undermines community

Proverbs 24:11–12 (NKJV)
Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

Hope

Invests in future generations through family and church

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Despair

Avoids risk, resists change

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Anger

Seeks retribution, not equal justice for all

James 1:19–20 (NKJV)
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Forgiveness

Promotes reconciliation and restoration

Matthew 6:14–15 (NKJV)
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Envy

Pushes for unfair redistribution of wealth and services

Proverbs 14:30 (NKJV)
A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.

Gratitude

Honors those who serve and sacrifice

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Lust for Power

Expands government control

1 Samuel 8:11–18 (NKJV)
And he said, “This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots.
He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.
He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers.
And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants.
He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants.
And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work.
He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants.
And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the LORD will not hear you in that day.”

Honesty

Ensures transparent, accountable governance

Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV)
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Deceit

Manipulates truth and public opinion

Proverbs 6:16–19 (NKJV)
These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

Patience

Encourages long-term, prudent planning

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Impatience

Creates short-term, reactive policies

Proverbs 14:29 (NKJV)
He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.

Courage

Defends truth and justice, resists tyranny

Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Cowardice

Avoids controversy, fails to confront evil

Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Loyalty

Favors allies, maintains stability

Proverbs 20:6 (NKJV)
Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?

Disloyalty

Undermines trust and order

Proverbs 25:19 (NKJV)
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.

Faith

Promotes trust in God, not government

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Cynicism

Undermines trust in institutions

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Curiosity

Encourages innovation within moral bounds

Proverbs 2:1–5 (NKJV)
My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,
So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.

Closed-mindedness

Rejects new ideas, stifles growth

Proverbs 18:2 (NKJV)
A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.

Narrow-mindedness

Keeps you from embracing latest fade

Matthew 7:13–14 (NKJV)
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life,
and there are few who find it.

Personal Generosity

Invests in community, not government expansion

Luke 6:38 (NKJV)
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Government Fleecing

Taking from one and giving to another

Exodus 20:15 (NKJV)
“You shall not steal.

Stinginess

Cuts essential services, neglects needs for the common good

Proverbs 11:24 (NKJV)
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.

Ambition

Drives progress, seeks excellence

Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Apathy

Neglects responsibility, ignores duty

Romans 12:10–13 (NKJV)
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Trust

Empowers families, local communities, and the church

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Suspicion

Restricts freedoms, increases surveillance

Proverbs 26:27 (NKJV)
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

Conspiracy

Drives sporadic policy that does not serve the common good.

Isaiah 8:12 (NKJV)
“Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

Empathy

Encourages personal, not state, charity

Romans 12:14–16 (NKJV)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Selfishness

Neglects the common good, prioritizes self

Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Altruism

Promotes voluntary service, not forced mandates

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Insecurity

Overcompensates with force, not trust

Psalm 56:3 (NKJV)
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Confidence

Encourages civic engagement, not dependency

Proverbs 3:26 (NKJV)
For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
Mark 12:31 (NKJV)
‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Guilt

Seeks to make amends, restore justice

Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Shame

Avoids responsibility, hides wrongdoing

Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV)
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

Jealousy

Sabotages others, creates division

James 3:16 (NKJV)
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

Admiration

Imitates virtuous models, honors tradition

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Contempt

Marginalizes others, fosters division

Proverbs 18:3 (NKJV)
When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.

Respect

Protects rights, upholds dignity

1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV)
Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Disrespect

Undermines authority, fosters chaos

Romans 13:1–2 (NKJV)
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

Optimism

Invests in potential, not entitlement

Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Pessimism

Withholds resources, lacks vision

Proverbs 13:12 (NKJV)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

Diligence

Ensures quality, stewardship

Proverbs 12:24 (NKJV)
The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

Laziness

Neglects oversight, allows corruption

Proverbs 10:4 (NKJV)
He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Zeal

Overzealous enforcement, risks overreach

Romans 10:2 (NKJV)
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.