The Bible makes it clear that we must protect our hearts. But it’s not referring to our physical heart that pumps blood. It’s referring to the part of our mind that makes decisions. This is similar terminology as when someone says “follow your heart.”
First, why do we need to protect our hearts? Well, the Bible says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). It’s from our hearts that we make all our decisions. If our hearts or minds become corrupted, our decisions will become corrupted.
So now, let’s look at how to protect it.
- Protect your Ears
In Proverbs 4:24, we are told, “Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” This means we need to protect our ears from hearing evil things. We must step away from evil company and turn off TV shows or videos that use the Lord’s name in vain. The words we hear go into our hearts and can impact our decision-making process.
- Protect your Eyes
Next, in Proverbs 4:25, it says, “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” This teaches us to protect our eyes. We must be careful about what we look at, avoiding images and videos that can corrupt our minds. By keeping our focus on what is pure and good, we can guard our hearts from harmful influences.
- Protect your Feet
In Proverbs 4:26, the Bible instructs, “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” This means we should protect our steps. We need to think carefully about where we go and what we do, ensuring that our actions align with God’s will. By doing so, we establish a firm foundation for our lives.
- Protect your Direction
Lastly, Proverbs 4:27 tells us, “Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” This means we must protect our direction. We should stay on the path of righteousness, not allowing ourselves to be swayed by temptations or distractions. By keeping our focus on God’s path, we protect our hearts from wandering into sin.
By following these rules from the Bible, we can protect our hearts and ensure that our decisions remain pure and aligned with God’s will.
