Proverbs | A 31-Day DevotionalSample

Make Your Heart a Priority - Proverbs 4

Today’s verse stands out in the book of Proverbs because it gives us a strong encouragement, a Godly rule of thumb – guard your heart. It’s so important that the writer of this chapter, likely Solomon, says – above all else. In other words, this has to be a priority in your life.

What does it mean to guard your heart? The NASB translation of verse 23 says, “watch over your heart.” You have to pay attention to your inner life and make it a priority. Growing up, my Dad always had a garden in the backyard. I remember one year, there were four rows in the garden, and my Dad marched my three sisters and me to the backyard and assigned us each a row. Every day we had to water our row and pull any weeds that would come up. Think of your heart like that garden. Reading the Bible, praying, asking God for His Holy Spirit to guide you in making decisions – that’s like watering the garden. Staying soft and repenting quickly when you make mistakes or when the Holy Spirit convicts you in any way – that’s like pulling the weeds. Keep the garden of your heart strong and healthy because everything you do flows from it.

“Father, thank you for helping me maintain a strong and soft heart. I love you and want to honor you with my life today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”