Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. I. EXPLAIN the text. 1. Men do not naturally give their hearts to God. 2. God will not force us to comply with the demand. 3. To give the heart implies — (1) That we heartily renounce all that God has forbidden. (2) A hearty belief in the fulfilment of all the promises. (3) That we seek and cleave to God constantly as our portion. II. ENFORCE the text. 1. It is just and right. 2. Our interest requires it. III. NOW, WHAT ANSWER will you give my Lord to the text? 1. "Oh," say some, "I gave it long since. I am only sorry I did not give it before, and sorry I have so often backslidden in heart; but to whom shall I go?" 2. "Yes," says another, "I desire and endeavour to do it; but what a struggle for life!" Do not despair; lift it up as thou art able, and "if darkness endure for a night, joy shall come in the morning"; the Lord is nigh thee; He can loosen thy heart. Look up — the day of redemption draweth nigh. 3. "Yes," says another — "my heart? Do you desire that? Ask for my money, my tongue, my voice, my feet, my hands, anything and everything but that. It is otherwise engaged." My Master has not left a power in my commission to compromise it; He will not take aught else. 4. "Yes," says another, "by His help I will; it is right. I cannot be safe without, and it is kind He seeks it. But when? Tomorrow — to-night is impossible; in a very short time I will." I doubt thou wilt perish for ever! (J. Summerfield, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.WEB: My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways. |
    |