286. PRO 4:23. ON KEEPING THE HEART

Pro_4:23. On Keeping the Heart

"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of if are the issues of life."’97Pro_4:23.

In this important passage there are three things worthy of our careful attention.

I. The Duty enjoined.

II. The Mode of performing it specified.

And,

III. The Motive assigned.

Observe,

I. The Duty enjoined.

"Keep thy heart," &c. The heart is sometimes put for one faculty, and sometimes for another. In Rom_1:21, it is put for the understanding. Pro_23:26, for the affections. Psa_119:11, for the memory. 1Jn_3:20, for the conscience. Psa_37:4, for the whole soul. So we may understand the text with respect to each faculty, and also as to the entire soul.

1. We should keep the understanding in a state of knowledge.

Let the truth shine upon it. Let it resemble the progress of light, shining more and more, to the perfect day. 2Pe_3:18.

2. We should keep the will subject to God’s authority.

In a state of willing and cheerful obedience to God. Ready to be active in his cause, or to suffer for his sake.

3. We should keep our affections fixed on God and spiritual things.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God," &c. "Set your affections," &c. Col_3:1, Col_3:2.

4. We should keep the memory stored with divine things.

Remember God’s dealings towards us. His goodness, &c. Hide his word in our hearts, &c.

5. We should keep the conscience in a state of holy purification.

Sprinkled with the blood of Christ. Void of offence towards God and man. Then, as we must keep each faculty, so we must keep the whole heart. We must keep the heart,

(1) In a state of holy watchfulness.

(2) In a state of continued devotion.

(3) In a state of joy and confidence.

(4) In a state of lively activity.

(5) In a state of preparedness for death and eternity.

Then, observe,

II. The Mode of performing it specified.

"With all diligence," or with "all keeping."

We must keep our hearts.

1. Under all circumstances.

In prosperity and adversity. Health and happiness.

2. In all places.

In public and in private. World, family church, closet, &c.

3. At all times.

The adversary can always attack us Heart always liable to evil. To deceive us, &c.

4. With all intensity of solicitude.

As a work of the greatest moment, the highest magnitude, &c. Keep the heart as a general would a besieged garrison. Keep it as the priests and officers were required to keep the temple. Keep it as a man does his life, when he is in apprehension of danger. Keep it at the footstool of divine mercy. Keep it near the cross of Christ. Keep it prostrated in the dust of selfabasement, &c.

Then, notice,

III. The Motive Assigned.

"For out of it are the issues of life." It is the vital part. It influences all the rest. Main-spring of our moral actions.

(1) Thoughts are formed there. Mat_15:19.

(2) Purposes are planned there.

(3) Words originate there. Mat_12:34

(4) Actions proceed from thence. Mat_12:35.

As the heart is, so all will be. It is the root of the tree. Foundation of the building. Fountain of the stream, &c.

Application

Learn,

1. The means of spiritual safety. Preservation of the heart.

2. The importance of this exercise. All depends upon it. Life or death.

3. The necessity of cleaving to God with purpose of heart.

4. Urge sinners without delay to believe the Gospel, and give their hearts to the Lord.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS