May 21, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom <\/em><\/strong>in God\u2019s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally<\/em> true in principle, not a universally <\/em>true promise. Let\u2019s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In chapter 4 of Proverbs the author continues giving instruction to his sons in the way of wisdom. He implores his children to seek diligently after wisdom and embrace it, to walk in the way of wisdom rather than the path of the wicked, and to turn from evil ways and remain on the path of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the midst of this fatherly instruction on following the path of wisdom is this command: \u201cKeep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life\u201d (Proverbs 4:23). The rest of the instructions that Solomon gives thereafter are dependent on this one being kept; the idea he is trying to convey is that the influences we allow into our hearts will end up determining the course of our lives! <\/p>\n\n\n\n To keep a close guard on one\u2019s heart is an integral aspect of wise living, because without it we will inevitably end up where we never intended to go in the first place. If we are not keeping our hearts with all vigilance, allowing worldly or wicked things in without a second thought, we shouldn\u2019t be surprised when out feet end up wandering where our hearts have already gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n