Book of Psalms - Chapter 66 - Verse 18

When the Bible talks about regarding iniquity in one's heart, it is referring to harboring and holding onto sinful thoughts, desires, or actions. In other words, if we choose to cling to sin or live in rebellion against God, our relationship with Him will be hindered. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure heart before the Lord in order for our prayers to be heard. God is holy and just, and He cannot tolerate sin. Therefore, if we choose to indulge in wrongdoing or refuse to repent of our sins, our communication with God will be disrupted. It is essential for believers to maintain a lifestyle of obedience and righteousness in order to have a clear and open line of communication with the Lord. By confessing and turning away from sin, we can experience the fullness of God's grace and mercy in our lives.

For the theological interpretation of the verse "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me," we can examine the concept of sin and its impact on our relationship with God. In this verse, the word "iniquity" refers to sin or wickedness. The psalmist is acknowledging that if he cherishes or holds onto sin in his heart, God will not listen to his prayers. This highlights the importance of repentance and maintaining a pure heart before God. The verse emphasizes the need for genuine confession and turning away from sin in order to have a close and effective relationship with the Lord. Through word studies on the term "hear me," we understand that it goes beyond just physical hearing, but denotes God's attentive response to our prayers and supplications. Therefore, this verse serves as a reminder that our spiritual condition directly impacts our communication with God, underscoring the need for a sincere and repentant heart in our prayers.