Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Solomon is discussing the merits of wisdom and knowledge and says above everything he's just said, guard your heart. The heart is the "wellspring of life" or in the NLT, "it affects everything you do." It appears Solomon's obsession with wisdom is intended to protect the heart.
My heart truly does affect everything I do. The desires of my heart affect my actions. Everything begins with my heart. Have I been guarding it well? Like an NHL goalie protecting the net, have I been doing everything possible to keep sin, wickedness, and deceit from penetrating my heart? What I watch, read and listen to affects my heart. The words, images and thoughts I allow to creep into my life, affect my heart and therefore affect my actions and how I treat those around me. I need to do a better job of guarding my heart! I need to rely on God's truth and wisdom and allow him to guide me and protect my heart today.
Dear Jesus, please protect my heart and keep it pure. Amen.
