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Guard your heart. On its own, that probably sounds like a strange instruction. What does it actually mean? How do we actually do that? In practical terms, what this proverb demonstrates is the importance of putting a boundary around our hearts. We do this not to be exclusive, or to shut people out, or to hurt anyone’s feelings. We do this to protect what matters most to us: the well-being of our hearts. Why? Because, as the writer points out, everything else flows from it. Everything we do must come from our heart. So, if we’re not being proactive and protecting our hearts from the people and things that may not be good for it, we’re risking letting something in that can impact our lives in every single way.

Think for a moment about the people in your life who impact your well-being, mood, or heart (and not for the better!). What would it look like for you to set a better boundary with those people in order to help guard your heart from their impact and influence? This doesn’t have to be a big breakup or a total cut off. Instead, it can be something as simple as choosing not to answer every text, or to only hang out a couple of times a month, or not share too many personal details. Whatever it is, take a step to guard your heart and set a good boundary this week.