What does Proverbs 27:19 mean?

Calm water can act as a mirror. When someone looks into a pool, they see their reflection. This shows them what they truly look like, which might be different from what they assumed. In a similar way, a person's heart reflects who they really are. Self-examination is a good thing (2 Corinthians 13:5; Proverbs 4:26). It can reveal what's happening deep within ourselves.

Some interpreters believe the "reflection" in question comes through other people. This would harmonize with the idea presented in an earlier proverb (Proverbs 27:17). That perspective implies that one learns more about themselves by seeing how words and actions are received by others. It also echoes the idea of two people interacting "face to face."

In the book of Proverbs, the imagery of the "heart" is typically associated more with thoughts and attitudes than with emotions or desires. However, other passages give reasons to be skeptical of our own "hearts," regardless of the context. Jeremiah 17:9 depicts the natural human heart as deceitful and desperately wicked. This leads away from God (Isaiah 53:6). Romans 3:12 says, "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Adding to the description of unregenerate individuals, Paul quotes, "Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their path are ruin and misery" (Romans 3:15).

But God can give sinners a new heart and a new way of living. When He changes the heart, He sets a person on a new path. Galatians 4:6 explains that with redemption comes adoption into God's family and God sends the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts. Immediately the old sinful habits begin to drop off, and new godly habits take their place (2 Corinthians 5:17).