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

The heart is the wellspring of life. It is the center of our thoughts, desires, emotions, and choices. Solomon warns us to guard it diligently, for everything else flows from it. Just as a polluted spring cannot produce pure water, a neglected heart cannot produce a godly life.

Guarding the heart requires vigilance. We live in a world filled with influences that seek to shape our desires away from God. The media we consume, the voices we listen to, the company we keep—all of these plant seeds in our hearts. If we are careless, those seeds grow into weeds of lust, pride, anger, or unbelief.

But guarding the heart is not just about avoiding what is harmful; it is also about planting what is good. Filling the heart with God’s Word, prayer, and worship keeps it nourished and strong. When our hearts are saturated with truth, lies lose their power. When our affections are set on Christ, temptations lose their appeal.

The heart cannot be left on autopilot. Left unattended, it drifts. That is why Solomon says, “with all diligence.” It takes daily effort, constant attention, and intentional focus. Spiritual carelessness is costly, but spiritual vigilance brings blessing.

The issues of life—our words, actions, and habits—flow directly from the condition of our hearts. If the heart is healthy, the life will be fruitful. If the heart is corrupt, the life will be destructive. The key to wise living is a guarded heart, anchored in the love of God.