Keep your heart with all diligence

Keep your heart with all diligence

" Keep your heart with all diligence —for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23

The outward life is but the index of the life within. As the hands of a watch are moved by the hidden spring—so the words of a man's lips and the actions of his life, are the issues of the heart. How important then is it that the heart be well kept—that the spring of action be well looked to!

Keeping the heart is a business that demands all diligence. How can it be best attended to?
By earnestly seeking heavenly wisdom, that our views and principles may be formed in harmony with the revealed will of God.
By a holy jealousy of ourselves—putting no confidence in the flesh.
By seeking a constant supply of the Spirit of Christ.
By watching against unholy thoughts and feelings.
By abiding in Christ, and living in the Spirit.

O Lord, be my Instructor and Helper continually in this important work! Keep me in dependence on You, that I may rightly keep my heart. Help me diligently to observe the workings of my mind, affections, and will; and to take heed what manner of spirit I am of. But above all, O Lord, would I commit my heart to Your keeping—for You alone can effectually preserve it from the power of corruptions within, and from evil influences without!

"For grace to keep my heart aright,
  O Lord, I look to Thee;
  Help me to live as in Your sight,
  And every evil flee!"

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