| Genesis 48:1-49:33; Matthew 15:29-16:12; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 4:20-27
“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27
There are four things that will guide you in a successful life as seen in this proverb. The first concept we see is that we have to guard our heart. Our heart encompasses our mind, will and emotions. Everything about us stems from the condition of our heart. It’s easy to see if we hold onto a grudge in our heart then we will behave bitterly. If we are led by a lustful heart then our actions will be perverse, and so on. How can we keep our heart clean? The key is found in the other three concepts.
The second thing we must do is watch our mouths. If we constantly speak negative, critical, or perverse words then we are building those walls up in our hearts. By the same token, if we speak positive, wholesome words then we are tearing down bad walls and sowing the seeds of hope.
Thirdly, we must watch what comes through the gateway of our eyes. Our eyes leave physical impressions on our hearts. If we allow our eyes to take in things that are contrary to the character of God then we are setting ourselves up for a battle of lust or even fear within our hearts.
The last item we need to keep an eye on is the path of our feet. If we do not keep our feet on the right path and keep them solid and straight, then our hearts will stray. God encourages us through this proverb to stay focused, faithful and far from evil.
PRAYER:
Lord, I understand the importance of keeping my heart right. However, my heart is, will be what is reflected in my outer life. I ask You to clean my heart and help me to do my part to keep it that way. I love You and I come to You with a teachable spirit, change me Lord. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. |
