Not paying attention can cause many problems in life. For example, one of the leading causes of car accidents is drivers not paying attention. Instead, their eyes drift from the road, they take their hands off the wheel, or they allow their minds to drift.[1]
In Proverbs 4:20-21, Solomon continues to encourage his son to pay attention to his various instructions on wisdom. He uses the word “pay/give attention” (Hb. qashab) which gives the idea of inclining your ears or to give heed to something important. First, Solomon reminds his son to be careful what he allows into his ears because it will ultimately influence his life. Next, he needs to continually keep wisdom before his eyes as well as in his heart. The heart is essential as from it flow the springs of life (see Proverbs 4:23).
“When Solomon says to keep your heart with all diligence, he is not referring to the organ that pumps blood, but to the citadel of our being, the faculty that makes the decisions. The heart is the spring from which our actions flow.”[2]
We too need to pay careful attention to Solomon’s instructions. First, we need to pay attention to what is influencing our lives. Second, we must continually be sure that our hearts are right with the Lord. One way to do both is by daily time in God’s Word and prayer.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/. Accessed November 2022. [2] William MacDonald. Proverbs – A Devotional Commentary.