Vigilance and Me by Brenda J Wood

 

This month, our writing prompt verse is "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life". (Proverbs 4:23)

As I pondered the passage, I realized that I didn't really know the meaning of some of the words. It might as well have been written in Ang Pulong Sa Dios (APSD-CEB) for it made about as much sense to me.

"Bantayi pag-ayo ang imong hunahuna, kay kon unsay anaa sa imong hunahuna mao usab ang imong ikinabuhi." (Proverbs 4:23)

When I looked up some of the troublesome words, I found this. Vigilance? The state or action of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. Springs of life? A metaphor for the heart, which is a source of life that flows out to influence others.

Then I checked several Bible versions to see how they interpret the phrase.

"Be very careful about what you think. Your thoughts run your life." (International Children’s Bible)

"Be very careful to keep your mind safe. The thoughts that you think make you the person that you are." (Easy English Bible)

"Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life." (Easy-to-Read Version)

"Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." (Good News Translation)

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (King James Version)

"Above all else, guard your affections. For they influence everything else in your life." (Living Bible)

Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life. (The Voice)

And finally, I checked out The Message:

"Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth.
Avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead.
Ignore all side-show distractions.
Watch your step. And the road will stretch out smoothly before you.
Look neither right nor left. Leave evil in the dust."(Proverbs 4:23-27)

And then I examined my own heart with great fear and trepidation. And I failed. How did your heart do on The Message test? We glibly quote verses to encourage others or ourselves and too often have no idea what we are saying. And now back to the original assignment.

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

What is your heart saying to you? It is February and heart month and Valentine's Day and so many more heart thoughts. Do we really know what we are saying when we offer our heart to someone? Is our heart pure enough to give?

(Top) Image by NietjuhArt from Pixabay

Brenda J. Wood has authored more than fifty books. She is a seasoned motivational speaker, who declares the Word of God with wisdom, humour, and common sense.