Proverbs 4

“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 (NKJV)

Today’s proverb begins with a stern exhortation to keep Solomon’s instruction, his “words and sayings.”  Since it is recorded as wisdom in Scripture, we can only assume that Solomon is speaking of God’s Word, which he is imparting to his son.  As such, his teaching aligns with his father David’s instruction.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Perhaps, you have heard it preached that the heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)  Of course, that is true of the unredeemed heart, but the Spirit-led heart of a believer has the potential for purity and must be guarded by God’s Word and Holy Spirit.  Jesus warned His disciples how unredeemed hearts may seem righteous, yet they cannot be trusted.

“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” Matthew 15:8 (NKJV)

When we seek God’s Word, as illuminated by His Spirit, we learn to guard our hearts and minds, aligning them with the truths of God’s character and waiting on His timing.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Focusing on God’s Word, looking straight ahead, and not straying to the “right or left” means that we should walk according to what the Bible teaches, not being more conservative than it demands nor more liberal than it allows.  Surrender to His leading and trust that He will guide you in paths of righteousness.  (Psalm 23:3)

“Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.  But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” Jeremiah 6:16 (NKJV)