“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

The book of Proverbs has been generally attributed to the writings of King Solomon. They are instructions of wisdom to a son from a wise father. The principal thought is to seek, understand, and follow the wisdom of God. The natural man will always gravitate towards sin. However, the book of Proverbs 4:23 admonishes us to “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

The primary idea is to guard our thoughts, actions and innermost feelings from those things that will lead us towards evil and selfish desires. The heart in the scripture symbolizes the seat of all inner thoughts and feelings. Therefore, it has the capability of producing those thoughts and actions that we dwell on whether positive or negative.

The book of Proverbs can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible; it also takes in consideration the Mosaic Law. The Law was given to instruct man in values for living a life that exhibited pure and moral standing with God and others. But alone, man could never satisfy the demands of the law. So, our scripture lesson today would seem to be an impossible feat . . . how can we keep our hearts if we do not truly have the power to really secure it?

A good analogy could be made of living in a fortress and having it guarded day and night. However, the constable or head guard is suspect and do not have the man of the house at his best interest. The result is thieves and murderers easily having the ability to enter in at any time to overtake the good man and utterly destroy him; this old guard is synonymous with our spiritual enemy-the devil and all his demonic forces that leads us into sin and destruction; but he must be removed and replaced with the Chief guard and lover of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord! “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11.

The precious contents of life are found in the heart, it must be kept with all diligence; God’s amazing grace comes to our rescue! 1 Peter 1:5 states “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” God is the divine  lover and keeper of our hearts and souls, He is the only One who can provide the power that we need to “keep our hearts in all diligence.”  Wherein the Law commanded, the Gospel gives us the power to obey!

If we are to succeed in keeping our hearts in check, it can only be through the sovereignty of God; His promises are faithful and true; we can rest in the assurance of these words now and forever “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,” Jude 1:24.

Let us faithfully give our hearts to God and by His grace walk this journey of life in fellowship, peace, and love through the power of the Holy Ghost.

God blessings of joy and peace be with us all.