In everyday English, “waxy” can mean something soft, moldable, or even dull in appearance. Spiritually, the idea of being “waxy” reminds us of the human heart—soft when it turns to God, but hardened when pride and sin take over. The Bible often uses imagery of the heart, describing it as tender, hardened, or transformed by God’s Spirit.
As Christians, we are called not to let our hearts become “waxy” in the sense of being dull or hardened to God’s truth. Instead, Scripture encourages us to remain sensitive, open, and teachable. Let’s explore what God’s Word says about the condition of our hearts and how His truth can bring lasting change.
Matthew 13:15 – The Waxy Heart that Cannot Hear
“For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed…” (KJV)
Reflection: Jesus describes people whose hearts have become “waxy”—spiritually dull and unresponsive.
Impact: This verse reminds us to guard against spiritual numbness and to keep our hearts tender toward God’s voice.
Ezekiel 36:26 – A New Heart of Flesh
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (NIV)
Reflection: God promises transformation, turning hard hearts into soft, responsive ones.
Impact: This truth brings hope—we can be renewed and made sensitive to God’s leading through His Spirit.
Hebrews 3:15 – Do Not Harden Your Hearts
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” (NIV)
Reflection: A waxy, hardened heart refuses to listen. God urges us to remain open daily.
Impact: Choosing humility each day keeps us close to God and strengthens our faith walk.
Psalm 119:11 – Hiding God’s Word
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (NIV)
Reflection: Filling our hearts with Scripture keeps them soft and alive in God’s truth.
Impact: Memorizing and meditating on the Word guards us from sin and spiritual dullness.
Romans 12:2 – Renewed Minds, Softened Hearts
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (NIV)
Reflection: Renewal keeps us from becoming spiritually “waxy” or dull.
Impact: Daily surrender brings clarity, peace, and the ability to discern God’s will.
Proverbs 4:23 – Guard Your Heart
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (NIV)
Reflection: Our hearts are central to our lives. A “waxy” heart spreads brokenness.
Impact: Protecting our hearts with God’s truth allows His life to flow through us.
Isaiah 6:10 – Dull Hearts in Need of Healing
“Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes.” (NIV)
Reflection: A calloused or waxy heart resists God’s healing.
Impact: When we turn to God, He restores sensitivity and opens our eyes to truth.
2 Corinthians 3:3 – Hearts Written by the Spirit
“You show that you are a letter from Christ…written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (NIV)
Reflection: God writes His love on our hearts, making them tender and living.
Impact: When our lives reflect Christ, others see His grace through us.
Jeremiah 24:7 – Hearts to Know God
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord.” (NIV)
Reflection: God desires intimacy with His people.
Impact: A soft, God-given heart allows us to know Him deeply and follow His ways.
Psalm 51:10 – Create in Me a Clean Heart
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (NIV)
Reflection: Even when we fail, God can renew us.
Impact: This prayer helps us avoid spiritual dullness and live with a tender heart.
John 12:40 – Eyes Blinded, Hearts Hardened
“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts.” (NIV)
Reflection: A waxy heart blinds us to truth.
Impact: Staying close to God keeps us from drifting into spiritual blindness.
Conclusion:
The Bible teaches us that a “waxy” heart is one that grows dull, hard, and resistant to God. Yet, the hope of the Gospel is that God can give us a new, living heart filled with His Spirit. When we trust Him, stay in His Word, and guard our hearts daily, He keeps us soft and responsive.
Let us encourage one another not to grow spiritually dull but to remain tender, humble, and teachable before the Lord. Share this message to remind others that God can transform even the hardest of hearts.
