Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. I. SOME OF OUR HEARTS ARE NOT WORTH KEEPING. Addressing some unconverted men, I say, "The sooner you get a new heart the better." God is very plain in telling us no good can come out of these corrupt, degenerate hearts that we all have by nature. II. Inasmuch as out of the heart "are the issues of life," IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE RESERVOIR FULL. It is bad enough to have an empty head, but an empty heart is worse still. For, other things being equal, a man's force in the world is just in proportion to the fulness of his heart. Heart is power. We all want more heart in our Master's service. III. STRIVE WITH ALL DILIGENCE TO KEEP THE HEART PURE. A full reservoir is not enough — the water must be clean. A full reservoir means spreading the seeds of pestilence and death. If the heart be not pure, the thoughts will not be pure, nor the conversation, nor the life. A scrupulous conscience and thorough transparency of character are all-important. IV. KEEP YOUR HEART TRANQUIL. Seek to have a soul calm and peaceful, and at rest. The state of the heart has far more to do with one's comfort, and prosperity, and success, than most .people imagine. From your heart, as from a clear mountain spring, there shall issue influences of health and benediction, to gladden your own lives and to bless all around you. (J. Thain Davidson, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.WEB: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life. |
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