I find Proverbs to be one of the most challenging books in the Bible. There are so many small nuggets of wisdom in Proverbs that I will tend to read through it overlooking much. Today I feel led to spend a bit of time reflecting on Proverbs 4:23 and would ask you to do the same.
The Hebrew word לֵב which is translated in this verse as heart according to Strong’s Concordance is typically translated to mean “inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding.” So, what we are being told here is to watch what we allow to go into our minds and hearts, thus being careful of what influences our will, our actions, and our words.
In fact, the proverb which follows tells us to, “Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” [Pro 4:24 NIV] One of the things I look for as I study Holy Scripture is repetition of lessons and certainly the instruction to tame our tongue and be slow to speak is found in other places in the Bible.
We live in the information age and in a culture and era where it may seem somewhat normal to demand instant gratification. We live in a season where it is easy for us to feel entitled while pointing fingers at others for their sense of entitlement.
God calls to us to use the tools of the information age, the miracles of science and information we have been blessed with wisely and with discretion.
A wise person goes to a buffet and selects nourishing foods that will enrich their whole lives if they are guarding their health. Let us guard our health, our tongues and our hearts with wisdom and discernment, inviting the Spirit to lead us and to enrich our lives.
In His Love,
Pastor Peggy,