Note: One method of devotions is to choose a verse from your reading, then dissect and define it. Keep a journal. For this study I used the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary.

Prov 4:23: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

·     KEEP: To retain in one’s power or possession; To have in custody for security or preservation; To preserve from falling or from danger; to protect; to guard or sustain. Adam and Eve were to KEEP the garden. Genesis 2:15

·     HEART: The seat of the affections and passions, as of love, joy, grief, enmity, courage, pleasure, etc. AND the seat of the understanding; AND the seat of the will, our intentions and designs. Equals mind, will, and emotions.

·     ALL: The whole quantity; the entire thing.

·     DILIGENCE: Steady application in business of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken; exertion of body or mind without unnecessary delay or sloth; due attention; industry; assiduity.

·     OUT: On the outside; disclosed; discovered. What God and others hear us say and see us do.

·     ISSUES: The act of passing or flowing out; a moving out of any enclosed place; consequence; passage out; outlet.

·     LIFE: The present state of existence; conduct; manner of living.

·     KEEP THY HEART: We guard what comes into our heart through our eyes and ears. We yield our mind, will, and emotions to God. We ask God for wisdom to evaluate our thinking and emotions. We don’t make emotional decisions. What we listen to and meditate upon affects our hearts.

·     ALL DILIGENCE: Utmost effort

·     ISSUES OF LIFE: Our relationship with God and others; service to God; family life, church life, activities, work, play, etc.

From this verse we learn that our heart requires constant caretaking. We must guard against apathy. Because we are fallen creatures the tendency is to do nothing different. If we don’t want our heart to be full of weeds and thorns (Prov. 24:30-34) we need to take action. 2 Peter 1:3, Psalm 1:1-3



Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry