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HEALTHY HABITS

This week is all about forming healthy habits in our lives. Did you know that it takes 21 days to form a habit? So, reading Proverbs for 31 days forms a healthy habit - so well done!

Much of the Book of Proverbs highlights the importance of wise character and behavior. It is important to recognize that we can intentionally develop our character and habits. Proverbs teach us the path of the wise, a path that contains self-control, boundaries, and restraints. Sadly the lack of restraint exemplifies foolishness and may lead to death.

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

This Proverb is a simile describing a person without self-control being like a city with broken walls. Let's flip this view; a person who has self-control is like a fortified city. In Bible times, many cities were built with strong rock fortress walls that surrounded the city. These walls protected the city from invaders and enemies. If the walls or gates were breached, the city would fall, and its occupants could be killed or captured.

What a great picture of self-control and its benefits in our life. Some of us may have a wrong perspective of self-control, that it is inhibitive and restrictive. Rather, self-control and the boundaries that it provides bring protection and freedom. A person with self-control not only can defend a city, but more than this, he can take a city (Proverbs 16:32).

Proverbs teaches us that we need self-control in our emotions (Pr 29:11), our words (Pr 12:18), our sexual integrity (Pr 6:27-29), and attaining wealth (Pr 23:4).

Solomon gives a further example of self-control, and that is in the area of guarding your heart. We are called to watch over or guard our hearts diligently and vigilantly. Proverbs 4:23 from 4 different versions:

Above all else guard your heart it is the wellspring of life. (NIV)

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (ESV)

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (NLT)

Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. (NKJV)

We must ensure we keep our hearts whole and holy and guard what goes into our hearts, what comes out, or how our hearts respond.

Scripture: Proverb 28 - 31

Prayer Point: Father, thank you so much for your wisdom in Proverbs, especially concerning healthy habits. I pray today that you would help me with self-control and guard my heart. That Lord, I would be wise in my actions and boundaries, that you would teach me wisdom in what I watch and listen to, and be diligent in keeping my heart pure before you and healthy habits in my life.