Proverbs 4:23: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Insight
“What is within my heart?” Whatever the heart loves, the ears will hear and the eyes will see. When our children were small, no matter where we were driving, they could usually find the ice cream shops and the toy stores; I must confess that I managed to locate the bookstores! “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” If we pollute that wellspring, the infection will spread; before long, hidden appetites will become open sins and public shame. The Bible warns us to avoid a double heart (Ps. 12:2), a hard heart (Prov. 28:14), a proud heart (21:4), an unbelieving heart (Heb. 3:12), a cold heart (Matt. 24:12), and an unclean heart (Ps. 51:10). “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (139:23). “What is upon my lips?” Whatever is in the heart will ultimately come out of the mouth. 1
Application
The above Insights describe seven different hearts. Investigate the Scriptures associated with each one. It will help you to keep your heart with all diligence.
Motivation
Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34
Our reality of our heart is revealed in the words we use about others. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, purify my heart.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Skillful (pp. 44–45). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
