But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
(Jeremiah 11:20) KJV
The heart is the seat of our drive and motivation which accomplishes it’s purpose by pumping blood around our body. The blood is subject to the influence of chemical compounds, spirits, that can be absorbed in a variety of ways.
Kidneys regulate the blood and filter out toxins and impurities. We see the two meanings: reins as a harness used to guide a horse; and reins as the renal system of the kidneys, come into alignment as the same thing. If a chemical compound we absorb affects our behavior somehow, then the removal of it by the kidneys is regulating our behavior.
If the Lord can try our hearts to find out, or really show us, whether our motivations are pure or not, then this applies to the kidneys which regulate the blood that can potentially influence the heart.
Spiritual Reins – Navigation
Section | Title | Scripture |
1 | Introduction | Psalms 26:1-3 |
2 | Kidneys are Reins on our Heart | Exodus 29:13 |
3 | O Lord, Try my Kidneys | Jeremiah 11:20 |
4 | O Lord, Search my Kidneys | Revelation 2:23 |
5 | Salvation | Romans 10:9-10 |

June 16 (20) – Spiritual Reins
The kidneys, referred to in the Bible as reins, regulate our physiology. They’re a way in which a bridle has been put on us by which we can be steered and controlled.