Proverbs 4:23
‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ‘
Possibly the most vulnerable organ in the body, the heart, controls so much and is the center of our life force. With every heartbeat, blood carries oxygen throughout our body, nourishing our cells, muscles and brain. The heart maintains our blood pressure, ensuring that our organs function properly while also removing metabolic waste like carbon dioxide, lactic acid and creatine. The heart supports our physical activity and with time will grow stronger, providing endurance for running, swimming and any other variety of sport where we find enjoyment. Beyond the physical, our hearts are also connected to our emotions, like love and joy but also fear and anxiety. So many times, we hear people saying, “follow your heart”. On the surface that makes a lot of sense, the heart is responsible for so much after all. However, like a horse without a bridle, following an unbridled heart can lead us down a very wide yet good intentioned path. We all know where that can leave us.
The above Proverb makes a bold statement, focusing on a father’s wisdom to his son. ‘Above all else’, it begins. From nearly the very beginning, 3,000 years ago, when this Proverb was written, the ancients knew the power of the heart, warning all to guard it above all else. Typically, when we think of guarding something, we assume protection from external threats. This verse, however, is warning us to guard our heart from ourselves. King Solomon knew that humans are, and will continue to be, our own worst enemies. The surrounding verses talk about wisdom and understanding, keeping your feet on the straight path, eyes forward and ears open to the Father’s wisdom. He is teaching us to internalize our Father’s teachings and keep them at the center of our being, our life force, our heart. All of who we are is wrapped up in the sum of our thoughts, words and actions and the heart is at the center of that, ‘…for everything you do flows from it’.
A heart without the bridle of our Father’s teachings is bound to lead us down a crooked path with nooks and crannies, corners of life where His light cannot reach, where darkness pervades. To receive His bridle is to accept sonship, accepting the need to be led. Much like a horse chomping at the bit, fighting against its master, yet eager to be broken; we must accept our position in life as the eternal son and daughter. Sons and daughters never want to displease their father, yet with wild hearts boundaries are unknown, wisdom is lacking and understanding non-existent. Following your heart, as they say, is a good thing, as it is the essence of who you are. The only caveat is to ensure your heart is being led by His wisdom and understanding, opening yourself to vulnerability and humility; an internal cleansing. Becoming the reflection of Jesus, the Son, living and loving as He did is how we do that and all the wisdom and understanding we need to protect ourselves and guard our hearts can be found in His living word, the Bible. There, we will find our Father’s true love and faithfulness in us, and can lean into, and trust His wisdom.
