--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: An honest heart being the first blessing…" description: "\"An honest heart being the first blessing, a knowing head is the second.\" — Thomas Jefferson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9d/thomas-jefferson-43_blessing_an-honest-heart-being-the-first-blessing_1344022.jpg" --- # An honest heart being the first blessing, a knowing head… ![“An honest heart being the first blessing, a knowing head is the second.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9d/thomas-jefferson-43_blessing_an-honest-heart-being-the-first-blessing_1344022.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9d/thomas-jefferson-43_blessing_an-honest-heart-being-the-first-blessing_1344022.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9d/thomas-jefferson-43_blessing_an-honest-heart-being-the-first-blessing_1344022.jpg) > “An honest heart being the first blessing, a knowing head is the second.” [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Moral integrity precedes intellectual wisdom; both are essential for a balanced life. **In simple terms:** Honesty comes first, then knowledge. Key Takeaway Cultivate integrity before seeking knowledge. Themes ethics wisdom personal growth Mood thoughtful inspirational Type moral philosophical When to use this quote - personal relationships - leadership decisions - education Key Concepts integrity reason balance Questions to Reflect On - What is the role of honesty in decision making? - How does knowledge without integrity affect outcomes? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on intellect can neglect emotional nuance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Blessing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blessing/) [Blessings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blessings/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) [Honest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honest/) [Honest Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honest-heart/) [Human heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-heart/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [Were kind of in our own cocoon making it. Every once in a while you stick your head up for a second, and you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kiefer-sutherland/were-kind-of-in-our-own-cocoon-making-it-every-once-in-a-while-you/) [Kiefer Sutherland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kiefer-sutherland/) > [When you touch someones life it is a privilege. When you touch someones heart it is a blessing. When you touch someone's mind it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/when-you-touch-someones-life-it-is-a-privilege-when-you-touch/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“God will put contentment in your heart, either by blessing you with someone who loves you or by allowing you to feel fully blessed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-vui/god-will-put-contentment-in-your-heart-either-by-blessing-you-with/) Nick vui > [A feeling heart is a blessing that no one, who has it, would be without; and it is a moral security of innocence; since…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-richardson/a-feeling-heart-is-a-blessing-that-no-one-who-has-it-would-be-without/) [Samuel Richardson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-richardson/) > [Rise and shine world. Talk to God, repent of your sins & simply strive to be better. Perfect doesn't exist but a honest heart does.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/rise-and-shine-world-talk-to-god-repent-of-your-sins-simply-strive-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [People with a honest heart, always have been the target of those who have no heart ...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sanja/people-with-a-honest-heart-always-have-been-the-target-of-those-who/) Sanja > [“Don't underestimate the power of a sincere and honest heart”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronit-galapo/don-t-underestimate-the-power-of-a-sincere-and-honest-heart/) Ronit Galapo > [Betrayed and wronged in everything, I’ll flee this bitter world where vice is king, And seek some spot unpeopled and apart Where I’ll be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moliere/betrayed-and-wronged-in-everything-i-ll-flee-this-bitter-world-where/) [Moliere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moliere/) > [The only disadvantage of an honest heart is credulity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-sidney/the-only-disadvantage-of-an-honest-heart-is-credulity/) [Philip Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-sidney/) > [Honest heart always entails word of wisdom & tuth.Be honest & enjoy fearless life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dranil-kr-sinha/honest-heart-always-entails-word-of-wisdom-tuth-be-honest-enjoy/) [DrAnil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dranil-kr-sinha/) > [If we are to know God, we must read His words, for therein He stands revealed to the honest in heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-richard-clarke/if-we-are-to-know-god-we-must-read-his-words-for-therein-he-stands/) [J. Richard Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-richard-clarke/) > [An honest heart is not to be trusted with itself in bad company.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-richardson/an-honest-heart-is-not-to-be-trusted-with-itself-in-bad-company/) [Samuel Richardson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-richardson/) > [“It takes muscle and a shovel to read the Bible. It takes a heart that's willing to dig. It takes an honest heart that's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-shank/it-takes-muscle-and-a-shovel-to-read-the-bible-it-takes-a-heart-that/) [Michael Shank](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-shank/) > [Honest heart goes for honest action.Honest action paves way for graceful life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dranil-kr-sinha/honest-heart-goes-for-honest-action-honest-action-paves-way-for/) [DrAnil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dranil-kr-sinha/) > [I love you because you actually put effort into me.I love you because nobody has ever given me the love that you have given…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-copeland/i-love-you-because-you-actually-put-effort-into-me-i-love-you-because/) [Rachel Copeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-copeland/) ## More by Thomas Jefferson > [A man has a right to use a saw, an axe, a plane, separately; may he not combine their uses on the same piece…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/a-man-has-a-right-to-use-a-saw-an-axe-a-plane-separately-may-he-not/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/believing-with-you-that-religion-is-a-matter-which-lies-solely/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [ \[States and the Federal government are\] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/states-and-the-federal-government-are-coordinate-departments-of-one/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendency of one sect over another.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-am-for-freedom-of-religion-and-against-all-maneuvers-to-bring-about/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-to-the-accidental-opinion-of-a/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“Perceiving the order of nature to be that individual happiness shall be inseparable from the practice of virtue, I am willing to hope it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/perceiving-the-order-of-nature-to-be-that-individual-happiness-shall/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence; it is jealousy, and not confidence, which prescribes limited constitutions, to bind down those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/free-government-is-founded-in-jealousy-and-not-in-confidence-it-is/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one-step-what-will-be-the-next/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/a-well-informed-citizenry-is-the-best-defense-against-tyranny/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The two principles on which our conduct towards the Indians should be founded are justice and fear. After the injuries we have done them,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/the-two-principles-on-which-our-conduct-towards-the-indians-should-be/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Knowledge is power...knowled ge is safety...knowle dge is happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/knowledge-is-power-knowled-ge-is-safety-knowle-dge-is-happiness/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [There is... an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents... The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/there-is-an-artificial-aristocracy-founded-on-wealth-and-birth/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Nothing but free argument, raillery and even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/nothing-but-free-argument-raillery-and-even-ridicule-will-preserve/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [When the people are afraid of the government, that's tyranny. But when the government is afraid of the people, that's liberty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/when-the-people-are-afraid-of-the-government-that-s-tyranny-but-when/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/we-hold-these-truths-to-be-self-evident-that-all-men-are-created/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) [Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## More Blessing quotes > [Being a new mother is a blessing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phaedra-parks/being-a-new-mother-is-a-blessing/) [Phaedra Parks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phaedra-parks/) > [God loves to glorify himself by suspending his gifts and blessings on our asking him for them. We should never presume to receive from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-storms/god-loves-to-glorify-himself-by-suspending-his-gifts-and-blessings-on/) [Sam Storms](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-storms/) > [When Allah puts barakah (His blessings) in something, it will come beyond your expectations- never underestimate the power of one good deed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nouman-ali-khan/when-allah-puts-barakah-his-blessings-in-something-it-will-come/) [Nouman Ali Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nouman-ali-khan/) > [Life is all about experiences and being able to work with good people is a blessing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bhumika-chawla/life-is-all-about-experiences-and-being-able-to-work-with-good-people/) [Bhumika Chawla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bhumika-chawla/) > [Whatever your conscious mind assumes and believes to be true, your subconscious mind will accept and bring to pass. Believe in good fortune, divine…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-murphy/whatever-your-conscious-mind-assumes-and-believes-to-be-true-your/) [Joseph Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-murphy/) > [“When Jesus finished teaching in a synagogue one day, a woman called out from the audience, 'God bless your mother—the womb from which you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-bessey/when-jesus-finished-teaching-in-a-synagogue-one-day-a-woman-called/) [Sarah Bessey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-bessey/) > [“I've never felt a pain that didn't bear a blessing. ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-knudsen-hoffman/i-ve-never-felt-a-pain-that-didn-t-bear-a-blessing/) Gene Knudsen Hoffman > [Mechanical instruments, potentially a vehicle of rational human purposes, are scarcely a blessing when they enable the gossip of the village idiot and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/mechanical-instruments-potentially-a-vehicle-of-rational-human/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [One of the noblest words in our language is "grace," defined as "unearned blessing." We live by grace far more than by anything else.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-elton-trueblood/one-of-the-noblest-words-in-our-language-is-grace-defined-as-unearned/) [D. Elton Trueblood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-elton-trueblood/) > [The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy. Others attain unto a glory and may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brigham-young/the-only-men-who-become-gods-even-the-sons-of-god-are-those-who-enter/) [Brigham Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brigham-young/) > [Being of Indian heritage is a challenge - and it's a blessing as well sometimes - because being good isn't good enough. You have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sacha-dhawan/being-of-indian-heritage-is-a-challenge-and-it-s-a-blessing-as-well/) [Sacha Dhawan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sacha-dhawan/) > [“Time wasted can never be compensated”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sunday-adelaja/time-wasted-can-never-be-compensated/) [Sunday Adelaja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sunday-adelaja/) > [The Louvre! The Louvre has me in its clutches. Every time I'm there rich blessings rain down upon me. 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