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


Before learning what should be in your heart that ought to be protected so greatly, there are four critical spiritual qualities presented in this verse with the words keep, heart, diligent and issues. But our focus is on “Keep” netsar.


Keep. Translated from the Hebrew word natsar, the term means “to guard or protect.” You typically safeguard possessions having significant value or meaning such as a diamond engagement ring, a family heirloom or your smartphone. However, as Proverbs 4:23 explains, you should especially protect what you hold in your heart.

What should be in your heart that would hold such momentous value? What is it that God urges you to safeguard above everything else in your life?

In the context of the entire chapter. Beginning in Proverbs 4:1-4, King Solomon says: “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; for I give you good doctrine: do not forsake my law. When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, he also taught me, and said to me: ``Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live.” (Emphasis added)


Solomon offers to his children important guiding principles that his own father King David had given him. And more than that, as inspired by Scripture these are actually profound divine instructions from God to you regarding His priceless words.


Continuing in Proverbs 4:5-13, we learn that wisdom is gained by cherishing and obeying God’s teachings. For instance, Proverbs 4:7 states: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” These values, if embraced and esteemed, will guard your life’s walk each day.


In Proverbs 4:14-18, Solomon advises his children about hazards they should sidestep. For instance, in Proverbs 4:14 he says, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil.” Likewise, God counsels you to avoid traveling down the road of sin because it results in suffering, anxiety and death.


The king then makes a remarkable statement. He explains that his instructions are equivalent to life itself: “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:20-22). Solomon concludes his decisive remarks in Proverbs 4:24-27 by summarizing his earlier statements about doing what is good and upright.


So, what should all this mean to you? It signals that guarding and cherishing God’s words and instructions is incalculably more important than treasuring earthly possessions, desires and achievements (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:15-21; Romans 8:5-6)