Chapter 4 wraps up with a variety of directives specifically related to our members and how we should control them (please see David Guzik's commentary).
1. Mind Your Heart. We should be diligent and watchful shepherds of our heart "for from it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23 ESV). Our hearts need to be tended to. We must clear away any ungodly feelings, thoughts or emotions that would try to take root in them. This is why the Lord commands us to keep watch and our lamps burning, we should be faithful stewards of all the Lord has provided to us, in particular our hearts.
2. Remove Yourself from Wicked Talk (Proverbs 4:24). As we mind our hearts we should mind our mouths and pray that the Lord sets a guard over our lips.
3. Keep Your Eyes Straight Ahead. In this day and age it is very easy to get distracted from a number of different things. Some even encourage multitasking as a talent but the Lord is no promoter of the division of the mind. We should be singularly focused on the task at hand and not let ourselves be distracted (of course I can attest this is a difficult thing to do in this digital era where distractions are no more than a click away)
4. Look Before You Leap; Think Before You Act. Much unnecessary vexation can be avoided and time wasted if we think about what we need to do before we do it. It can be helpful to make a mental map for ourselves of the steps we need to take and start to think about how we're going to take them (for example an outline or agenda). This will flag potential issues for us before we take action so we can deal with them in an effective and efficient manner.
Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that these words of wisdom, in particular our need for focus, prudence and right thinking, become ingrained into our minds and hearts that we may walk in such a manner that is pleasing to you. Lord please bless us with your wisdom and understanding and enlighten our eyes today and every day.
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*ESV= English Standard Version
1. Mind Your Heart. We should be diligent and watchful shepherds of our heart "for from it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23 ESV). Our hearts need to be tended to. We must clear away any ungodly feelings, thoughts or emotions that would try to take root in them. This is why the Lord commands us to keep watch and our lamps burning, we should be faithful stewards of all the Lord has provided to us, in particular our hearts.
2. Remove Yourself from Wicked Talk (Proverbs 4:24). As we mind our hearts we should mind our mouths and pray that the Lord sets a guard over our lips.
3. Keep Your Eyes Straight Ahead. In this day and age it is very easy to get distracted from a number of different things. Some even encourage multitasking as a talent but the Lord is no promoter of the division of the mind. We should be singularly focused on the task at hand and not let ourselves be distracted (of course I can attest this is a difficult thing to do in this digital era where distractions are no more than a click away)
4. Look Before You Leap; Think Before You Act. Much unnecessary vexation can be avoided and time wasted if we think about what we need to do before we do it. It can be helpful to make a mental map for ourselves of the steps we need to take and start to think about how we're going to take them (for example an outline or agenda). This will flag potential issues for us before we take action so we can deal with them in an effective and efficient manner.
Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that these words of wisdom, in particular our need for focus, prudence and right thinking, become ingrained into our minds and hearts that we may walk in such a manner that is pleasing to you. Lord please bless us with your wisdom and understanding and enlighten our eyes today and every day.
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*ESV= English Standard Version
