Chapter 4 has been beautiful guidance from a wise parent. We, as children of God, would be smart to recognize these words as for our own good. I can still hear my mother saying, “this is for your own good” or “I’m only doing this because I love you.” Likewise, this chapter has been full of examples we should take to heart and not question.
When our hearts and minds are full of good things, we can’t help but be good. Solomon tells us these words are “life” to those who find them and “health” to a man’s body. When we guard our hearts with wisdom, we are protecting our whole being.
What comes out of our mouths is also a good indication of what is in our hearts. It seems you can’t sit through a movie without some nasty words being said. When it comes to hearing “dirty” words, the ones that pierce me in the heart are when I hear people using Jesus’ name as an exclamation of anger or surprise rather than in praise and adoration. In the same manner, when people say, “O my God!” but are not calling on God in prayer. To me, it is disrespectful. We’re not supposed to use the Lord’s name in vain. Didn’t all these people get the memo? What’s in their heart?
The text says “corrupt” talk. What exactly does that mean to you? I suppose it is words that keep us from being close to God. It is words that tear people down instead of building them up. It is hurtful words being fed to us by the evil one. An online definition of perverse is “showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequence.”
The text tells us to fix our gaze straight ahead. It is good counsel to be watching what is coming so you can be prepared, focusing on our goals. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. That’s the ultimate way to guard our heart. When we can stay connected to Jesus intentionally and focus on him, we find peace. We are then truly wise.
Solomon tells us to guard our heart above all else, making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. How are you doing at keeping on the right path? Do you need some boundaries? What do you do to keep you from swerving toward evil?
Let’s pray … Heavenly Father, help me be strong and courageous in this world full of hatred, malice, distrust, and evil. You have shown us the way. Thank you for all the examples in your word. Thank you for how Jesus modeled for us how to be a true follower. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
