Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.1 Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.2
To be ruled by a godless, hardened heart is dangerous. It needs to be trained and tempered by Truth. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.3 The mouth of the righteous utter wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.4
A heart ruled and guided by God’s Word is protection from harm. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. . . . for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.5
A heart that knows and obeys God’s Word is wise. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. . . . and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But one who endures to the end will be saved.6 Therefore, we must pay much close attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.7 “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.8
A heart that believes in the finish work of Jesus Christ finds strength during times of testing and remains steadfast. Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace. . .10
A heart that strives to please God understands his will. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God; what is good and acceptable and perfect.11
Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.12 AMEN.
Notes:
1. Proverbs 4:23
2. Proverbs 28:14
3. Proverbs 15:14
4. Psalm 37:30-31
5. Psalm 1:1-4, 6
6. Matthews 10:16-25
7. Hebrews 2:1
8. Proverbs 4:4
9. Hebrews 3:12-14
10. Hebrews 13:9
11. Romans 12:1-2
12. Psalm 86:11-12
