Our heart is the wellspring of our thoughts, words, and deeds (see Jesus’ words in Luke 6.45). From our heart originates all sin and also all goodness (see James 3.9-12).

We currently live in a cabin with a well as our water source. If a contaminant seeps into the water source, then that potentially toxic or dirty substance will make our well unusable without some kind of treatment. The same is true with our hearts...if we allow corruption into our heart through any one of our five senses, our heart becomes polluted and darkened. We will start to see the fruit of the flesh, found in Gal 5.19-21, evident in our lives. Our heart can only be treated by the grace of God through the blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. This heart-cleaning treatment is what we do through the Gospel Transformation process in our Community Groups. But rather than relying only on restorative actions, why not seek preventative actions? In today’s passage, Solomon is encouraging us to prevent the contaminants from ever entering our well water.

Proverbs 4.23

23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Can you think of a time when your “well” has been clean? What fruit did that bear in your life and in others?

+ What does “all vigilance” mean? Is it a determined or casual posture?

+ In Philippians 4.8, Paul talks of guardian our thoughts. Here Solomon speaks of guarding our hearts. How are our thoughts and hearts related?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What sources of pollution have I allowed in my life? Media, music, movies, magazines are common sources of pollution.

+ When your “well” has been clean, what action or obedience do you think contributed to it?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ As I interact with people who don’t know Jesus, are the things to which I am exposing my heart glorifying God or creating a stumbling block to the Gospel for the people God has placed before me?