Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Prov 4:23

To prepare for a day at the beach, one might include sunscreen or an umbrella. These are simple precautions to protect our bodies from dangerous exposure to the intense heat and ultraviolet light from the sun. We have learned that continued unprotected exposure to the sun can damage the skin, our eyes, our immune system, and even cause cancer. So, we encourage family, friends, and fellow outdoorsman to take precaution and protect themselves from the unseen dangers of unprotected exposure to the sun. We find in this scripture passage a precaution for the heart. We are encouraged to “keep thy heart with all diligence.” Though we are surrounded by a world filled with sin, fueled for an appetite for sin, focused on self-centeredness and selfish pleasures, we are to be intentional to protect our heart. The child of God is called to maintain a holy jealousy for the heart. Though we are exposed to corruption, we are commanded by God to “keep thy heart.” Be diligent to safeguard your heart from doing hurt and being hurt, from being defiled by sin and disturb by trouble, be diligent to guard your heart with more care and diligence than anything else because “out of it are the issues of life.” The good and bad of life settles in the heart. The things that surround us, the things that our hands, eyes, and feet are constantly exposed to find their way into our heart. So, with all diligence keep your eyes from the enticements of corruptible things (Job 31:1), keep your tongue from repeating fowl words and foolishness (Ps 34:13), keep your feet from places of darkness and where evil dwell (Eccl 5:1) that you may “keep thy heart.” My friend, the heart is the dwelling place for God in the believer. With all diligence, keep your heart worthy of His presence, a place where He is welcomed and delighted to dwell. Father, thank you for Your care and protection. Thank You that when I face corrupt things, You provide “a way of escape” (1 Cor 10:13) and for the times fall and fail You are “faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). Father, “may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You.” In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.