Heart Advice
Today’s Verse:
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. ~Proverbs 23:7
Cardiology is the medical specialty that deals with the diseases and abnormalities of the heart. Cardiovascular disease is when there is a narrowing of the heart’s blood vessels due to blockage or vessel disorder. This results in restricted blood flow, increased risk for heart attack, and even death. Modern medicine strongly encourages us to be heart healthy through diet and exercise. In Prov. 23, the subject of the heart is referred to nine times. Solomon gives us spiritual heart advice.
We see the REVELATION of the heart.
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” What comes out of a man is what is already inside of him. A man is what he thinks. A man is what he desires. A man is what strongly motivates him. Pressures, trials, and difficulties bring out what has already accumulated in a man. Jesus said in Matt. 15:18, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” Do you know what is in your heart? What do your actions and intents reveal about your heart? What does your attitude and how you treat other people reveal about your heart?
We see the RESTRAINING of the heart.
“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long,” vs. 17. Good heart advice encourages us to restrain ourselves from eating fatty foods that will lead to artery and vessel blockage. It also encourages a minimum amount of activity and exercise for a strong heart. The exercise of restraint is something we must meditate upon, practice, and reinforce. First, guard your heart from envying sinners. The word for “sinners” is a word that refers to the depraved and reprobate nature of man. We are not to be envious of people who live a loose and immoral lifestyle. We are not to model professional actors, sports personalities, or business people whose lifestyles are unbiblical and wicked. Second, safeguard your heart by living with a worshipful spirit towards God. Living in the fear of the Lord all the day long includes praying without ceasing, scripture meditation, and witnessing to people.
We see the RAPTURE of the heart.
“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine,” vs. 15. In Prov. 17:22 Solomon said, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” A happy and merry heart is medicinal. With a happy heart, you have a positive outlook on life, you have lower or controlled blood pressure, you sleep well, and you have great people relationships. However, in Prov. 23:15, Solomon is advising us on how the product of our heart has an effect on the hearts of those closest to us! Married people, your priority for your marriage is to encourage your spouse, for in so doing, your heart is happy. To children of all ages, your priority in life is to encourage the heart of your parents and not to live to break it. “If thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice…”
We see the RESERVATION of the heart.
“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” In vs. 26, we see a paternal request. Solomon asked his son Rehoboam to give his undivided heart affection to him. My son, give me thine heart! Who you give your heart to is who has influence over you. Samson told all his heart to Delilah. Rehoboam was being badly influenced by his peers, who rejected godly counsel. Biblical parenting requires us to train our children to give their hearts to their parents. It also means that parents must know what direction they are pointing their children in. Who have you given your heart to? Does the Lord have your heart?
It is important to heed heart advice. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Guard your heart: give God your heart!
Have a heart-healthy God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ezra 8-10