In Proverbs 4:20-23 (NET) we read, 20 “My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your sight, guard them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and healing to one’s entire body. Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it are the sources of life.”
The word translated “heart” in this last verse most commonly stands for ‘mind’, and considering the contextual references to pay attention to words and sayings I think that’s an accurate interpretation of its use here. As the Expanded Bible translation has it, “Be careful what you think,because your thoughts run your life.”
Romans 12:2 (NET) sounds like a New Testament equivalent: “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”
So the question I think we need to answer is this:
Two things come to mind, the key to which has to do with the word “life” and the phrase “the sources of life.”
Here’s what we read in John 1:1-4 (NET)
1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. 2 The Word was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.”
Notice: Jesus is the source of life, and life generates light. And in this context it seems to me that light could be understood as wisdom, especially since elsewhere Jesus is referred to as the wisdom of God.
So back to our key question: What is so precious to know and always remember that we must protect that knowledge with everything in us?
I suggest it is
#1— knowing the presence of Jesus — as your best friend
#2 — knowing the influence of Jesus — “the light”, his wisdom to know what’s best in helping others
So to “above all else guard your heart” in the context of the NT would mean,
1) do whatever it takes to make sure that you allow nothing to hinder your awareness of Jesus’ presence with you
2) and do whatever it takes to make sure nothing stifles his influence — his wisdom for all that you need to work with him in helping others.
