Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
To guard your heart has become a common phrase in many Christian circles. You’ve likely heard it used a few times and maybe even said it yourself. But while commonly quoted many miss what the true meaning of Proverbs 4:23 is and how it applies to their lives.
Proverbs 4:23 is an incredibly practical passage that can teach us how we can grow tremendously in our faith.
So, let’s take a closer look at what this verse says.
The Context Of Proverbs 4:23
To understand the Proverbs 4:23 meaning we first need to look at the context. The book of Proverbs centers around how to gain wisdom and live wisely. This book is one of the most unique and practical books in the Bible.
In the opening chapters Solomon, the author, urges his readers to listen to his words and pay attention to this wisdom. He argues that wisdom is the most beneficial thing that a person can acquire. To show this he contrasts those who pursue wisdom and those who ignore it. Solomon’s challenge is to stay on the path of God’s wisdom and not to deviate.
In Proverbs 4 Solomon focuses on telling his sons, and us today, how to live. He gives them advice that was given to him by his father, King David. In Proverbs 4:21-26 he challenges them to pay attention to their heart, their eyes, their mouth, and their feet. Each of these shows how we should live with our whole self.
The main point of this section is to value and listen to godly wisdom. Let’s take a closer look at what Solomon says is most important in this section, guarding your heart.
The Meaning Of Proverbs 4:23
This verse centers around one of the most important things a Christian can do. It’s a verse that we shouldn’t ignore. To help you better understand the meaning of Proverbs 4:23 I’ve broken it down into two sections.
Above All Else Guard Your Heart Meaning
Above ALL else, guard your heart. Solomon is stressing the importance of our hearts.
The word heart (The Hebrew word: לִבֶּ֑ךָ) is used almost 600 times in the Old Testament. But this word isn’t really talking about the thing that pumps blood. The original word can be translated as inner man, mind, will, or heart.
When the Bible is talking about our heart it applies to our whole inner self. This is why it’s so important to guard your heart. What you think and feel will ultimately dictate what you do. What’s happening on the inside will ultimately control what you do on the outside.
Our actions really aren’t the primary problems. They are symptoms of much deeper-seated issues. Our heart, our thoughts, and our mind are what causes us to falter. Our actions are simply reacting to what already exists inside us. That’s why we are told to guard our hearts. Because if we get our heart right our actions will follow.
The word for guard (translated from the Hebrew word: שָׁמַר) means to keep, watch, or preserve. It carries with it the idea that this isn’t a one-time deal. It requires continual effort. We need to keep watch, careful to not let anything infiltrate our hearts.
When Solomon stresses the importance of guarding your heart in Proverbs 4:23 this is what he’s getting at. We should be on constant guard of what’s going on inside of us because what’s inside will make its way outside.
For Everything You Do Flows From It Meaning
Proverbs 4:23 is a verse that warns us to deal with the root cause of our problems. Everything we do flows from what’s on the inside.
This is in contrast to how many Christians handle their issues. For many the Christian life is about behavior modification. It’s just about doing the right things and avoiding the wrong ones.
The problem is, that approach is ineffective. More so, it misses the point. Our actions aren’t the problem; our heart that longs for something other than God is the root issue.
Therefore, we ought to be on high alert guarding our hearts.
How Proverbs 4:23 Applies To Your Life
So, what does it look like to guard your heart?
Proverbs 4:23 teaches us that we need to be on a constant watch evaluating what we are allowing to influence our hearts.
This is both an offensive and defensive task. First, we must protect our hearts. Whether you realize it or not there’s a battle going on for your heart. You are constantly being bombarded with messages that run contrary to the Gospel. They are trying to erode your faith and make you walk away from God. We must be on guard against such attacks.
Secondly, we must take action. Guarding our heart means that we are proactively growing our faith. I know it’s said a lot, and it’s become a cliché of sorts. But, I just don’t know a better way to grow your faith and guard your heart than reading your Bible and praying. We’ve got to keep our eyes on Jesus, and there’s simply not a better way.
Guarding your heart isn’t a one-time thing. It’s not something we can set and forget. Guarding your heart is something you need to do daily. We’ve got to develop routines that grow our faith and be aware of what is affecting our hearts.
Proverbs 4:23 is trying to drive this point home. Don’t give up. Don’t let your guard down. Guard your heart.
For more about how to guard your heart check out: How To Guard Your Heart (5 Powerful Ways)
BA in Biblical Studies - Ozark Christian College (2012)
MA in Theology - Regent University (2019)
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