Some rules for the conduct of our thoughts. 1599-1645. with all diligence — or, “above,” or “more than all,” custody (compare Margin), all that is kept (compare Ezekiel 38:7), because the heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects life and character (Matthew 12:35; Matthew 15:19). While you defend one part, keep a good look-out on the other. The former should be opposed; the latter should be encouraged and strengthened. Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. But sin has disordered them all. From the heart proceeds all evil, Matthew 15:11-19. For, other things being equal, a man’s force in the world is just in proportion to the fulness of his heart. You know how experience, also, interprets the same principle, even in cases where moral considerations are not prominent. 3. The memory may be filled with vile images and unholy recollections, or it may be stored with pious thoughts and the sweet remembrance of past mercies. The heart is the principal thing. It is obvious that we cannot preserve the life of our bodies for one single moment; yet God expects, that we keep ourselves from those things which would destroy life, and use all proper means of preserving it: so neither can we, of ourselves, preserve the life of our souls; yet are we bound to “keep our heart with all diligence; since out of it are the issues of life.”. He has put the strongest bones all round it, so that, though other parts may be easily hurt, the heart is safe. "Commentary on Proverbs 4:23". Scripture represents the heart of man as not in a trustworthy condition, and therefore the more to be diligently kept and guarded. It is our duty to be looking inward on ourselves, observing what thoughts spring up within us; what imaginations find most welcome harbour in our breasts, what prejudices possess our minds, etc. He asked his mother what he should do about it. It is the heart that falls directly under the cognizance of God. We should observe, with a watchful eye, all our passions, desires, and affections; keep a constant guard on every avenue to the heart, and be careful to oppose the admittance of any wrong inclination. Combine all its energies in the service of your God—, [The Psalmist has a remarkable expression on this subject; “Unite my heart, O Lord, to fear thy name [Note: Psalms 86:11. (Prof. ]:” and know for your comfort what the all-gracious and unchanging God hath spoken: “Be not weary in well-doing: for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not [Note: Galatians 6:9.].”]. As long as we consist of bodies and souls, we cannot always be thinking of serious things. ].” The Christian is furnished by God with armour for this contest [Note: Ephesians 6:11-16. A man’s real life flows from his love. Thought gives the first impulse to every principle of action. (N. Emmons, D. D.), I. “To keep the heart” is indeed an arduous task. 7. To our own endeavours for regulating our passions, let us join earnest prayer to God. Resolving Tension. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use our convenient, John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture, Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible, Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments, George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Commentary Critical and Explanatory - Unabridged, Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible, Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures. Some that are naturally weaker, have, by long use and many trials, obtained a greater power over their thoughts than others. 23. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/proverbs-4.html. Straightforwardness is the fairest jewel of our commercial crown. "Commentary on Proverbs 4:23". If there must be fresh reinforcements thrown into the town of Mansoul, as there must be if it is not to be captured, there is one sure way of securing these. 24 Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the outflowings of life. Allowing for this, there is still much scope for the government of our thoughts. IV. Our thoughts are not absolutely free, just after we have received some considerable loss or disaster. 5. Much more therefore may it be expected that God will inquire into the designs and purposes of our hearts: “He looketh not on the outward appearance, but at the heart:” and “he searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins, on purpose to give to every man according to the fruit of his doings.” For this end “he will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart.” To our hearts then must we look, if ever we would give up our account with joy: for, as our hearts are, so shall we appear in his sight [Note: Proverbs 23:7.]. Forbes.). As the heart is the center of motion to the circulation of the blood, which is the (animal) life (Leviticus 17:11; Leviticus 17:14), so spiritually, as the seat of the desires and affections, it is designed to be the center and fountain of the heavenly life; but by the fall it has become the corrupt fountain "out of which proceed evil thoughts" and all that is bad in word and deed (Matthew 15:19; cf.
Peppermint Tea Benefits, Usd Exchange Rate Forecast, Epiphany Parish San Francisco, Sunset October 14 2020, Going Out Outfits, Epiphany School Normal Il, 3-piece Outdoor Loveseat Cushions, Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe, Trader Joes Thai Red Curry Dinner Hack, Healthy Snacks To Eat With Tea, Enlightened Ice Cream Singapore, German Down Comforter, Wbs Pro Whatsapp, Color Wheel Colors, Gender Roles In Different Cultures Ppt, Bangla Pdf Book On Hindu Religion, Spore Creatures Rom, Crazy Richard's Peanut Butter Wiki, Loft Bedroom Privacy, Unilateral Medical Definition, Banana Blueberry Muffins With Sour Cream, Best Cello Pieces, Shadow Gray Poco X3, Aunt Jemima Grits Instructions, Why Did Jamie Dornan Leave Once Upon A Time, Split Screen Samsung J3 2016, Community Living Programs,