In Mark 7, Jesus said that the ____ of a leader can become the source of many evils.

• A. Unguarded heart
• B. Hypocrisy
• C. Pride
• D. Greed

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that inner disposition determines outward conduct. Jesus teaches that impurity and defilement come from within, from the heart. When a leader’s inner life is not guarded—when motives, desires, and thoughts aren’t held to the standard of God’s Word—the heart can become the source of many evils, influencing actions, judgments, and leadership choices. So the phrase fits best with the concept of “an unguarded heart,” since it directly identifies the heart as the wellspring of both character and conduct. Guarding the heart through humility, accountability, and obedience to God helps prevent those evils from taking root. Hypocrisy, pride, or greed may appear as specific sins, but they arise from an unguarded heart; the emphasis here is on the heart as the source, which is why this option is the most accurate fit.