Text - Proverbs 4:23
Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 AMPC
This Scripture has become more prominent in these past two decades. Somehow, you will hear one variation of it or the other.
But I believe the Proverb is clear. Your heart (Lev - which means your mind or consciousness) is to be guarded because it is valuable. You don't see armoured tanks or a military outpost in front of a kiosk, but it won't be out of place in a government house. That simply implies something/someone of great worth is in there. This begs the question, what then are we to guard against? Yet again, the proverb answers… for out of it flows the springs (the issues) of life.
This is loudly stating that anything that does not give life should not be in your heart. And the qualifier for the type of guarding is an alert, rapt guarding. With all diligence, with all vigilance. Not some, all. With all watchfulness, with all carefulness. It is our job to guard our hearts.
How? You may ask. I believe Romans has given us an idea. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:2 AMPC.
Mind renewal is not a psychological gimmick, this is Scripture and it works. That's the only way you and I can learn exactly what God's good, acceptable and perfect will is concerning us.
So what are you feeding your heart today? Renewed, fresh water and bread of life, or stale and dank morsels that are soggy and moldy? What are you allowing in? Life-giving and reviving things or monstrous dragons that creep in as unhealthy thoughts?