What does the Bible mean when it says we should guard our heart, and how do we do this?
In Scripture, we see that the heart is the root of all issues. It is where desires are conceived whether for righteousness or unrighteousness. The Bible says:
“‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30
God wants us to love Him with all our heart, since the heart is representative of what we truly cherish. That’s why we are counseled to pursue heavenly treasures, “…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20–21).
The Bible tells us how essential it is for us to guard our hearts. Solomon stated, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23. Although the heart is where desires take root, we soon begin to outwardly see the fruit of what is hidden there. Whatever is esteemed will affect our mind, and the way we think. In turn, those thoughts will pour forth in actions.
The Bible says, “Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.” Matthew 15:18. Solomon warns: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he….” Proverbs 23:7. And Luke writes: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45.
In Genesis, we have a clear example of this in the story of Noah and the Flood:
“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
Iniquity had been conceived in their hearts to the point of continual evil, and this state of the heart caused the wickedness of man to run rampant upon the Earth. We must protect our hearts so we do not follow in their footsteps.
How can we guard our hearts from their natural bent to evil? First, we recognize we cannot do this work. Only God can. Once we acknowledge this we can pray like David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.
The first step to guarding our hearts, to protecting them, is to make the choice to align our desires with that of Heaven through prayerful surrender so our hearts will not become corrupt and seek evil.
The next step to guarding them is to heed biblical counsel:
“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:9–11
Once we’ve surrendered our hearts to Christ, asking Him to create in us a clean heart, we put that prayer into action and open our hearts to His Word while we close it to the world. The Bible says:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
We begin to focus on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report—which means cutting off most of today’s media, including the news. Outside of the time we spend in Bible study and prayer, we want to surround ourselves with godly influences as much as possible. That would include the music we listen to:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
And, of course, to guard anything today suggests that we need to be properly equipped. In a spiritual sense, we need the armor of God:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10–18