Quotable Wisdom: Proverbs 4

This month I'm reading through the book of Proverbs. On Monday I began the series with chapter one, and here we are three days later and on to chapter four! 

Passage Highlight:

"Above all else, guard your heart, 

   for everything you do flows from it. 

 Keep your mouth free of perversity; 

   keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 

 Let your eyes look straight ahead; 

   fix your gaze directly before you. 

 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet 

   and be steadfast in all your ways. 

 Do not turn to the right or the left; 

   keep your foot from evil."

Proverbs 4:23-27 (NIV)

Sometimes this world seems to get the best of me. I let my guard down. I say something that I shouldn't. I do something that I regret. It's difficult to keep the guard up and secure around our hearts and minds. God wants us to love and pursue Him with all our hearts, souls, and strength. If we keep our hearts brimming with love for God and overflowing with His Spirit, there will be no room for sin to creep in and gain a stronghold.

In a world that thrives on gossip, can we keep our mouths shut and walk away from the conversation?

In an overly sexualized society, can we avert our eyes and keep our thoughts pure and lust-free?

In a materialistic world, can we be thankful for our blessings and curtail envy and jealousy? 

In a volatile age, can we keep our faith steadfast and our actions righteous? 

I often have to remind myself that this world is ruled by sinful people and a clever enemy. Everyday brings temptations and pitfalls. I will be tested. I will have difficulties. Will I lean on God and prevail? Will I turn away from the glamorous lifestyle sin so tantalizingly offers? 

It's so easy to just "go with the flow" and try to "fit in." But the fact of the matter is, in this world the "norm" is a slippery slope to hell. The general society that we live in promotes selfishness and sinful actions. We're in a fight. Don't let your heart's guard down.