8 traits of a person with an evil heart

         Here is a list of 8 traits of a person with an evil heart from a biblical perspective, supported by Scripture:

1. Deceitfulness

    “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” – Jeremiah 17:9

         An evil heart is often masked with charm or pretended righteousness. Such individuals may twist facts, manipulate others, and conceal their true motives.

Example: Judas Iscariot concealed his betrayal behind a kiss (Luke 22:47–48).

2. Pride and Arrogance

    “Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord…” – Proverbs 16:5

          An evil person is often consumed by self-exaltation and resists humility. They may refuse correction, seeing themselves as superior to others.

Example: Pharaoh hardened his heart due to pride, even after witnessing God’s mighty power (Exodus 9:17).

3. Hatred and Malice

    “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” – 1 John 3:15

         Evil hearts harbor hatred, often hidden beneath passive-aggressive behavior or sweet words. They rejoice at the downfall of others.

Example: Cain hated Abel because Abel's works were righteous, and this hatred led to murder (Genesis 4:8).

4. A Love for Wickedness

    “They love evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness.” – Psalm 52:3

         Evil-hearted individuals often indulge in sin, celebrate rebellion and mock holiness. They find pleasure in what offends God.

Example: The people in Noah’s day were so evil that every intent of their heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).

5. Lack of Mercy or Compassion

    “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.” – James 2:13

         An evil heart is cold and hardened. It lacks empathy and does not feel burdened by the pain of others. Instead, it may exploit or ignore suffering.

Example: The wicked servant in Jesus’ parable (Matthew 18:23–35) received mercy but refused to extend it to others.

6. Sows Discord and Division

    “These six things doth the Lord hate... he that soweth discord among brethren.” – Proverbs 6:16,19

         An evil person thrives on gossip, stirring trouble, and tearing others apart. They divide relationships and destroy trust through lies and manipulation.

Example: Absalom undermined King David’s leadership by turning the hearts of the people against him (2 Samuel 15:1–6).

7. Resists Truth and Correction

   “A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” – Proverbs 15:5

        Evil hearts are unteachable. They reject godly counsel, distort truth to suit their desires and grow more rebellious with correction.

Example: King Ahab ignored the warnings of God’s prophets and chose lies that aligned with his evil desires (1 Kings 22:8).

8. Hypocrisy and Pretending Righteousness

    “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres…” – Matthew 23:27

        An evil person may look holy outwardly but is spiritually dead inside. Their motives are selfish, and they serve for personal gain or recognition.

Example: Ananias and Sapphira pretended generosity but were deceitful, resulting in judgment (Acts 5:1–10).

         Jesus taught that what comes from the heart defiles a person (Mark 7:21–23). Believers are called to guard their hearts (Proverbs 4:23), walk in truth, and be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). If you discern any of these traits in yourself or others, it's a call to repentance and surrender to God's refining work.