“Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.” Mark 7:1-2

It was a rule that pharisees and all religious Jews should wash hands a certain way when they return from marketplaces, as they might have brushed shoulders with Gentiles and been defiled. The Pharisees and scribes found fault when they noticed that Jesus’ disciples were eating without washing hands after coming from the marketplace. They blamed it on Jesus because He was their leader and as such, He was responsible for their behavior. The Lord called them hypocrites because their rules were not God’s rules but made by men to control others.

ANALYSIS OF BOTH
While ‘‘ clean hands " refer to outward cleanliness " clean heart " signifies inner purity and sincere faith. In essence, clean hands are good and necessary, but a clean heart is the foundation, ensuring actions are genuinely pure and not just for show. True righteousness requires both, but a pure heart leads to clean hands. One's inner intentions (heart) are ultimately more crucial than just following ritualistic cleanliness (hands).

HOW TO PRACTICE BOTH

1. Repentance and Confession (1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:1-19). Frequently examine your heart to see if unwanted attitudes (pride, selfishness, jealousy, lust) have crept in.

2. Dwell in the Word of God and in Integrity (Ephesians 5:26; Psalm 119:11; Romans 12:2) . Regularly study and meditate on Scripture, which acts as anchor to wash away impurities and a "mirror" to reveal areas needing change.

3. Actively Guarding the Heart (Proverbs 4:23; James 4:7) . Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. "Be intentional about what you allow in through your eyes and ears. To avoid bitterness, which acts as "rottenness to the bones," immediately forgive others, acknowledging that God has forgiven you.

4. Cultivate intimacy with God (Psalm 51:10). Pray for purification and submit your will to God daily, shifting from selfish motives to a single-minded desire to please Him. Engage in worship-based prayer, which aligns your heart with God's holiness.

5. Walk in the Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). Recognize that only God can truly purify the heart. Rely on the Holy Spirit to burn away your sins. Surround yourself with other believers who encourage spiritual growth.