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

The book of Proverbs has been attributed to the writings of King Solomon. They are instructions of wisdom to a son from a wise father. The primary thought is to seek understand and follow the wisdom of God.

The natural man will always gravitate to the propensity to 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 idea is to guard our minds, 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, whether positive or negative.

The book of Proverbs is written in the Old Testament and 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 may 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 chief guard is suspect and do not have the man of the house at his best interest. The result is thieves and murderers having the ability to enter in at any time to overtake the good man of the house. In our spiritual lives, the old guard and enemy, Satan and his demonic forces constantly seeks to lead us into sin and destruction; he must be removed and replaced with the Chief guard and lover of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord!

The precious contents of life are found in the heart, which can only be kept by God’s amazing grace! 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 keeper of our hearts and souls, He provides all the power that we need to “keep our hearts in all diligence.” Wherein the Law commanded, the Gospel gives power to obey.

So, my friends, if we are to succeed in keeping our hearts in check, God is the answer. Psalm 121:5 states “The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.” Every born-again believer has been miraculously equipped with the Holy Spirit who empowers us to make decisions to walk this journey of life in fellowship with God and others, we must faithfully follow where He leads.

God’s promises are faithful and true; the Word of God reminds us “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 keep our hearts by trusting in His wisdom and amazing grace now and forever. He will keep us in perfect peace!

God blessings of mercy, love, and comfort to you all.