Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Keeping the Heart

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Diligence, as a concept, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is particularly emphasized in the context of guarding and maintaining the heart. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's inner life, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. The importance of diligence in keeping the heart is underscored by the understanding that the heart is the wellspring of life and the seat of spiritual vitality.

Biblical Foundation

Proverbs 4:23 states, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the necessity of vigilance and careful attention in protecting the heart. The use of the word "diligence" implies a continuous, intentional effort, suggesting that the state of one's heart is not a matter of chance but of deliberate cultivation and protection.

The Heart as the Source of Life

The heart is depicted as the source from which all aspects of life emanate. In biblical thought, it is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of one's being, influencing actions, decisions, and spiritual health. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 15:18-19 , where He states, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

Diligence in Spiritual Discipline

Diligence in keeping the heart involves engaging in spiritual disciplines that align one's heart with God's will. This includes regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and self-examination. Psalm 119:11 reflects this practice: "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." The psalmist's commitment to internalizing God's Word is an act of diligence aimed at safeguarding the heart from sin.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

While human effort is essential, the role of the Holy Spirit in keeping the heart cannot be overlooked. The Spirit aids believers in discerning truth, convicting of sin, and empowering righteous living. Galatians 5:16 encourages believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." This walking by the Spirit is a cooperative act of diligence, where the believer actively seeks the Spirit's guidance and strength.

Warnings Against Neglect

Scripture warns of the dangers of neglecting the heart. Hebrews 3:12 cautions, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God." A lack of diligence can lead to a hardened heart, susceptible to unbelief and rebellion against God. The call to diligence is thus a call to remain steadfast in faith and obedience.

Practical Application

Practically, diligence in keeping the heart involves setting boundaries against influences that can corrupt or distract. Philippians 4:8 advises believers to focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By filling the heart with such virtues, believers can maintain a heart that is aligned with God's purposes.

In summary, diligence in keeping the heart is a divine mandate that requires continuous effort, spiritual discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is a proactive stance that ensures the heart remains a source of life and godliness, reflecting the character and will of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Season
On Keeping the Heart. ... Now, Christian, keep thy heart with all diligence; for it will
be very ... house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?" So indeed God required. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/i the first season.htm

The Great Reservoir
... "Keep thine heart with all diligence," and entreat ... who, according to the Swiss custom,
was required to be ... And for this purpose give God the keeping of thine ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the great reservoir.htm

The Great Reservoir
... "Keep thine heart with all diligence," and entreat ... who according to the Swiss custom
was required to be ... And for this purpose give God the keeping of thine heart ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the great reservoir.htm

The Fourth Season,
... requiring our utmost diligence to keep our hearts, is the ... above all fear: "In the
cause of God (said he ... the senate; and if being there, he were required to give ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iv the fourth season.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... flock, and applied himself with the greatest diligence to their ... grace sufficient
for all that is required of us ... Would God make the keeping of His commandments a ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ...
... If the Lord required truth of old, much more now, when he hath abolished ... The pleasure
and sweetness of God tasted and found, will make diligence and pains ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xi the knowledge that.htm

On the Feast of a Holy Confessor
... before all things, man should use all diligence in learning ... himself earnestly to
the keeping of God's commands. ... for simple laymen; but more is required of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm

Of Predestination
... persuasions to godliness, all care and diligence in well ... is the only eternal choosing
love of God, which separated ... shouldst look to, but what is required of thee ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xvi of predestination.htm

All Saints' Day
... the chosen people; and they used all diligence, that nothing ... also laid down their
lives when God required it of ... the slightest opposing of our will to God in sin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... fostering and cherishing them with affectionate diligence; as eggs ... his "blood cries
to God," [2701] and will be required. ... no regard to the mercy of God, nor is ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm