Three Things

Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (NKJV)

The most important thing is your heart. The heart is so fundamental, so powerful, yet it is mostly ignored. People do not pay much attention to the heart even though it determines their life. Three things stand out from Proverbs 4:23-27. Three things we have to pay attention to when it comes to the heart.

Firstly, the heart Governs Your Speech. Proverbs 4:24 “Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.” If you want to know what is in your heart, pay attention to what comes out of your mouth. Matthew 12:34 “…How can your words be good if you are rotten within? For what has been stored up in your hearts will be heard in the overflow of your words!” (TPT). Someone said, "What's down in the well comes up in the bucket". If it is muddy in the well, what comes up will be muddy. If it is clear down in the well, what comes up will be clear. Rather than consistently defending the things coming out of your mouth, repent and ask God to cleanse you.

Secondly, the heart Guards Your Sight. Proverbs 4:25 “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.” A lot of things are going to be thrown at you, look straight and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Guess what? That can only happen if your heart is in the right place. So, guard your heart.

Thirdly, the heart Guides Your Steps. Proverbs 4:26-27 “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." Michael Hyatt says, “It is not your experience, knowledge, or skills. Your heart is your most important leadership tool.” No wonder the heart is under so much attack. The attacks that you have experienced in your life are not about your business, children, marriage, promotion, or health. It is all about your faith and your faith is rooted in your heart. Romans 10:10 “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God…”. I pray, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that you will not lose your faith.

Reflections
1. What do you need to talk to God about based on today’s reading?

2.Write out one action to take based on today’s reading.