Directing the Heart: Wisdom from Proverbs for a Fulfilling Life

Directing the Heart: Wisdom from the Bible

Have you ever heard the phrase "follow your heart"? It's a popular saying that suggests our hearts are like compasses, guiding us towards true happiness if only we have the courage to listen to them. But is this belief really accurate? Is it wise to follow our hearts blindly? In this article, we will explore a different perspective – one that emphasizes the need to direct our hearts instead of simply following them.

The phrase "follow your heart" can be misleading because it implies that not following our hearts goes against our true selves. However, the reality is that our hearts can be deceitful and sick, according to Jeremiah 17:9. The desires that arise from our fallen nature can lead us astray and into trouble. So, instead of blindly pursuing our desires, it is wiser to direct our hearts towards what is truly valuable and worthy.

In Proverbs 23:19, we are given a powerful instruction: "Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way." This verse encourages us to direct our hearts, to consciously guide them in the right direction. It acknowledges that our hearts have a tendency to follow deceitful loves and treasures, and it calls us to redirect our affections towards what is truly lovely and valuable.

However, directing our hearts can be challenging, especially because we live in a fallen world where we have two selves – the new self and the old self. Our new self is regenerated and created in the likeness of God, while our old self belongs to our former manner of life and is corrupted by deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22-24). These two selves often find themselves at war within us, with our new self delighting in God's law while our old self rebels against it (Romans 7:22-23).

Given this internal struggle, the Bible consistently encourages us to direct our hearts instead of blindly following them. But how do we go about directing our hearts, and where should we direct them?

The book of Proverbs provides us with valuable counsel on how to direct our hearts. It is filled with the wisdom of a father guiding his son, and these teachings are just as relevant to us today. Let's explore some of the key lessons from Proverbs on directing our hearts:

1. Direct your heart to acquire God's wisdom.

The writer of Proverbs understands that foolishness can blind us to true wisdom. To counter this, he advises us to listen to advice and seek instruction from knowledgeable people (Proverbs 12:15, 23:12). He emphasizes the importance of humility and the willingness to learn from others. We must direct our hearts towards the wisdom of humbly receiving instruction from God and others (Proverbs 1:7).

2. Direct your heart to discern dangerous people.

The world is full of people whose hearts desire things that can harm us. Powerful individuals may use their status, influence, and wealth to compromise us if we are not careful (Proverbs 23:1-3). Some people may appear gracious at first but later reveal their true conniving nature (Proverbs 23:6-8). We may also be tempted to envy the seemingly prosperous lives of sinful individuals, but their end is destruction (Proverbs 23:17-18). Directing our hearts involves discerning how power, manipulation, and sinful gain can lure us into danger.

3. Direct your heart to avoid and escape sinful snares.

Proverbs warns us about the dangers of falling in love with money, serving it as our ultimate treasure (Luke 16:13, Proverbs 23:4-5). It also cautions against using our power to take advantage of others and emphasizes the importance of sexual purity (Proverbs 23:10-11, 23:26-28). The book of Proverbs reminds us to be aware of life-controlling self-indulgence and the enslavement of chemical addiction (Proverbs 23:19-21, 23:29-35). We must direct our hearts to recognize the seductive power of these snares and take whatever measures are necessary to escape them.

While the wisdom of directing our hearts is evident, the Bible offers an even better counsel – one that clarifies the father's advice in Proverbs and makes it possible. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This verse reveals that when we delight in the Lord as our ultimate treasure, our hearts are transformed. We begin to desire what is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Loving God and directing our hearts towards Him purifies our other affections.

Imagine finding a hidden treasure in a field. You cover it up and, in your joy, sell everything you have to buy that field (Matthew 13:44). When we are born again, we catch a glimpse of the ultimate Treasure – God Himself. As we grow in our relationship with Him, our desire for Him and His ways increases, and our love for anything that threatens that Treasure diminishes.

In conclusion, the Bible encourages us to direct our hearts instead of blindly following them. Our hearts can be deceitful and sick, leading us astray if left unchecked. The wisdom found in Proverbs teaches us to acquire God's wisdom, discern dangerous people, and avoid sinful snares. Ultimately, we are called to delight in the Lord and let Him transform our hearts, directing them towards what is truly valuable and worthy.

So, let us not simply follow our hearts but take the time to direct them – to guide them towards the ultimate Treasure. In doing so, we will find true happiness and fulfillment, as God Himself gives us the desires of our hearts.