Thank you for the interpretative question on Luke 16:15, “What does it mean that God knows your heart (Luke 16:15)?
As one reads this passage, some readers may be frightened by it or comforted by it. We have experienced being misunderstood or even being falsely accused of something, but in our own hearts that was not our intention or purpose. Other people may or may not “read” us correctly, but the Creator God perceives or knows the inner thoughts and motives.
In Luke 16, Jesus says this in concluding his remarks, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight” (NIV).
The Pharisees thought or reasoned that they can served God and make a profit by their service. The service to God became a means of enriching themselves. Was their public prayers truly to God or was it for public recognition? Was their tithes to God truly an offering of thanksgiving or was it to fulfill the letter of the Law. Can they give more than require in thanksgiving to God or just to satisfy their own conscience?
No human being knows the intent of one’s heart perfectly all the time. God is the only person who “reads” us correctly every time. God knows our motive in attending church service of keeping our perfect attendance going for the 20th year or going to worship him. He knows if we give to the church or charitable organization for the tax deduction or is it to thank the Lord for his blessing on our lives.
The Biblical narrative of Hannah praying to the LORD God out of the depths of her heart, but Eli seeing only her lips moving with no sound thought that she was drunk.
I Samuel 1 says this, “Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” 17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him” (NIV).
SUMMARY: God knows correctly our inner most thoughts and motives for every action in our lives. He doesn’t “misread” or misjudge us at all.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/What-does-it-mean-that-God-knows-your-heart-Luke-16-15