Proverbs 4:22-27

For Reading and Meditation:     Proverbs 4:10-27

We pause today to make clear the difference between diligence and obstinacy. I know people who have experienced spiritual shipwreck because they didn't know the difference between these two things. When asked to clarify the difference between perseverance and obstinacy, a student wrote: "One is a strong will and the...

A. P. Gibbs used to say, "You are not what you think you are, but what you think - this is what you are." This means that the mind is the spring from which behavior flows. Control the source and you control the stream that flows from it.

Therefore control of the thought-life is basic. That is why Solomon said, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23) Here the heart is used as a synonym for the...

In the first four verses of Proverbs 4:1-27, Solomon describes how good advice can and should be passed down from one generation to another. He tells how his father had taught him, then urges his son, in turn, to pay attention to good doctrine and sound instruction.

It is sensible for young people to learn as much as possible from their earthly parents concerning the practical affairs of life. But it is also true that, in the spiritual...

Keep that which is good, in it; that which is evil, out: thoughts, feelings, purposes, imaginations, desires. Especially, keep God's word in it. Quench not the Spirit. Cherish a memory for what is good. Be as a gardener; be as a banker.

For the mind is God's wonderful gift.

As our thoughts, so our words and acts.

As our thoughts, so our future life.

Be as the pilot.

Thermopylae.

Our peace easily destroyed by unwatchfulness.

God looks at the...

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. § Death and life are in the power of the tongue. § The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. § Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.For we cannot but...

Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!Your heart is not right in the sight of God. § Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.They first gave themselves to the Lord. § In every work that [Hezekiah] began … to seek his God, he did it...

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. § He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble …...