Keep Thy Heart

Tradina Waller
8/5/09

I was talking to a friend of mine about guarding the heart and learned the true meaning of the
biblical reference often taught in church.

There is a scripture reference in Prov. 4:23 that states, “Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out
of it are the issues of life.” (KJV) Some versions use the word “guard” your heart.

Many people teach that this scripture is instructing one to protect their heart from the evil that
will try to do one wrong, but to interpret the scripture in this way is to take the one verse and run
with it. This type of study leads to incorrect interpretation that causes confusion and
misunderstanding. When studying the Word we are to read the surrounding scriptures and place
line upon line and precept upon precept.

When reading the verses that follow Prov. 4:23, it talks about putting away a deceitful mouth and
devious speech. Then it moves on to the eyes, instructing to look ahead and let your gaze be
straight. The mouth and eyes are gates to the heart. We must be careful of what we allow to
enter into our heart because the mouth will speak what we put into it. The whole fourth chapter
is talking about getting wisdom, understanding and turning away from evil.

Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can
know it?” A key phrase here is “above all things.” All means everything. Because the heart is
deceitful we must not let it lead us, but be diligent to lead it. We lead our hearts by using the
Word of God as our guide and as Solomon teaches by attaining wisdom and understanding.

Therefore, when we read Jeremiah along with Proverbs we get a better understanding of what the
Lord is really trying to speak to us. Because our hearts are deceitful and we have built up issues
in them, be diligent not to harm others with our wickedness. The focus here is on you
mistreating others. See how the hearts of man has twisted the true meaning of this verse causing
people to believe that we are suppose live guarded lives.

Proverbs 4:23 reminds me of the song by Flame called “To My Heart.” The greatest enemy is
within. So, I encourage everyone to fill their hearts with the Word of God daily that will be able
to fight against wickedness and live life victoriously.

Keep your heart!

My Music\iTunes\iTunes Music\Flame\Rewind\15 To My Heart.m4a