Punched in the Heart - Proverbs 4:23 - “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” By Patrick Price
Wow! These words, penned by Solomon, David’s son, who was considered the wisest man who ever lived, truly pack a punch to the heart. Just fifteen words—yet within them lies a mountain of wisdom, waiting to be uncovered by anyone willing to pause and reflect. Solomon was a man who experienced God’s hand at work in his life time and time again. Whether he recognized it in the moment or only in hindsight, God was always there, guiding, correcting, and sustaining him.
What makes Solomon so relatable is his humanity. His heart was often in the right place, full of faith and devotion—and just as often, it was led astray, caught in pride, fear, or temptation. I am guilty like Solomon and suspect most reading this feel the same conviction. This verse reminds us of a truth we can’t afford to ignore: the condition of our hearts directly shapes the course of our lives. The inspired Word of God invites us to dig deeper, to understand not just the physical importance of the heart, but its spiritual and emotional impact—an impact that reaches far beyond what we might initially see.
Keeping the Heart
Keep is an interesting word with significant depth and breadth. In English, it can be used as a verb or noun, but here it functions as a verb, calling for continuous action. This word suggests ongoing vigilance, much like an anchor that must remain set to hold a ship in place. Similarly, abide carries the same essence—to remain stable or fixed in a state. Diligently keeping our heart, benefits and blesses not only ourselves but also those around us. In contrast, neglecting our hearts causes us to lose ground and favor with others. While many things in life are temporary, keeping the heart is a continual effort that requires discipline and intentionality.
So why is it essential to keep our hearts and not let go astray? What are the "springs" that bring forth the issues of our lives? These emotions and thoughts, whether expressed outwardly or harbored internally, shape our words, actions, and ultimately, our character.
Heart Conditions That Affect Our Lives
Anger: Keeping the heart helps us control our tempers, preventing harmful words and actions. Instead, we can choose patience and grace. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19). "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up." (Ephesians 4:29). “Be angry and do not sin. Mediate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” (Psalm 4:4). “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6).
Envy: An envious heart breeds discontentment and emotional turmoil. When we compare what we lack to what others have, we lose sight of our blessings. Gratitude and trust in God's provision counteract envy. “A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30). “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:16).
Greed: Greed, an extension of envy, fosters an insatiable desire for more, often at the expense of others. Instead of selfish ambition, we are called to humility and concern for others. “Then the Lord said to him, Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39). "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." (Philippians 2:3).
Lust: Lust is the craving for something in an unhealthy way, whether through physical desire, materialism, or pride. Scripture reminds us to set our minds on higher things. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15). "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:2). “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,” (1 Peter 2:11).
Lying: Deception, whether to others or ourselves, damages our integrity. The enemy is the father of lies, but as followers of Christ, we are called to truth. Honesty nurtures a healthy heart and trustworthy relationships. “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Pride: Pride is an inflated sense of self that can lead us away from humility and dependence on God. Balancing confidence with humility allows us to uplift others rather than seeking self-glory. "For everything in the world—-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." (1 John 2:16). “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18. Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4).
Any one of these can give rise to issues in our lives, but when multiple take root, they can overwhelm and consume us. Though we strive to guard our hearts, we inevitably fall short—for we know that all have sinned. The good news is that we have a solution: Jesus! He died for our sins, was buried, rose again on the third day, and was seen by many witnesses. Through Him, we find redemption and strength to keep our hearts aligned with God.
As believers, we are saved by God’s grace through our faith in Jesus. No longer are we slaves to sin. The power of the Holy Spirit works in us to help us strive for holy living, transforming us. By this power, we are able to abstain from the fleshly lusts which wars against our soul and heart. When we exercise spiritual discipline, holding fast to God’s Word and Truth through obedience, we experience a pure heart and become more like Christ.
May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ.
By Patrick Price