Proverbs 4

Guarding Your Heart

Watch

Watch - when the Hebrew nsr (na-sor) was used, the imagery of watches would come to mind. And watches were the time periods between sunset and sunrise. In other words the most darkest times of the day. These are times in which our heart is most vulnerable. As such, we must watch with all diligence.

Heart

Your heart is your will and who you are. It is your inner-self. You must watch over your will and heart.

The Reason

We should watch over our heart with all diligence because out of it flows the springs of life.

Matthew 15:19 NASB95

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.

“Thoughts lead to actions, actions lead to habits, habits lead to character and character leads to destiny.”

How do I watch over or guard my heart?

Surrender your thoughts to God

Romans 12:2

Ask yourself these questions:

What lies do I believe about myself or the world around me, and how is that affecting my relationship with God?

What sins or bad habits in my life are weighing me down from a higher moral conduct?

What behaviors or habits do I know to be right, and yet avoid or ignore?

Am I selfishly trying to find physical or emotional fulfillment through my relationships?

Govern Your Speech (vs. 24

Guard Your Sight (vs. 25)

Guide Your Steps (vs. 26-27)

Proverbs 4:23 NASB95

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

Proverbs 4:24 NASB95

Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you.

Proverbs 4:25 NASB95

Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.

Proverbs 4:26 NASB95

Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.

Proverbs 4:27 NASB95

Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.