Proverbs 4:23

Such a simple, catchy little saying. But it’s not so simple, is it? How do we guard our hearts? What does that even mean?

The “heart,” as the Bible describes it, is the center of the human mind, intelligence, emotions, and will. It comprises our thoughts, our beliefs, our total inner being = the heart.

Everything we consume (social media, books, tv, activities, the people we spend time with, all the stuff around us) goes into our minds and our hearts and affects us- positively and negatively. These things affect our self-talk, our thoughts, our desires, and our relationships. We all know this.

And what flows into us comes back out through our words and actions.

What does God say about this? What does His Word teach us? Do we really have control over this?

There are a ton of verses about the “heart,” here a few:

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

"I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve."
Jeremiah 17:10

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God
Matthew 5:8

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

Bottom line: we do have the power to control what goes into our hearts, and God expects us to. He expects us to be different. He expects our hearts (our inner beings) to be His.

Taking care of our hearts might mean temporary disappointment or sadness. Walking away from temptation is not always easy. But wisdom teaches us to remember what is important, to make choices that protect our hearts from evil, and to lean into those things that lead to life and to God’s goodness.

We do not walk this road alone. God promises help- a new heart and a new spirit.

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

Guard your heart: this is wisdom.

Heidi xoxo