Proverbs 4:23

What can we learn from Proverbs 4:23?

"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." KJV . This Proverb was written by King Solomon, the wisest man. The word "keep" is a direct commandment on what to do. The heart refers to our source of actions, words and life directions. The heart is also referred to as deceitful above all in Jeremiah 17.

Ways that we can guard our hearts include guarding our communication, so being careful about what we say and how we say it and making sure it is Christlike. Guarding our attention by making sure we are spending more time on things which bring glory to God and are edifiying to our walk with Christ. Guarding our actions by being intentinonal with where we go and who we spend time with. 1 Corinthians says "Do not be misled: Bad character corrupts good character." so guarding our hearts around who we let in around us is very important.

Diligence means to be careful or using persistent work and effort to accomplish a task. This is a clear instruction to be vigilant in reading and listening to other influences and to focus on God's word to discern before sharing your heart. The scripture states that from the heart, flows the issues of life. This means that the heart is the inner thoughts, desires and motivations. Don't share that with just anyone. Know your worth and resist letting ungodly thoughts and desires to enter.

Pray

God, I come to You to pray for my heart. Teach me how to guard it appropriately. Teach me to discern what is good and bad for me and to chase after the things that bring honour to You. My heart holds my intentions and desires which are precious to You so I ask that You help me to protect this. Search and purify my heart. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray amen.