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Bible verse
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
What it means
What we treasure inwardly shapes everything we say and do, so the inner life deserves careful watch. This is not about self-obsession but about tending the source from which our days flow. Left unguarded, the heart drifts toward whatever it loves most. That is why Christ asks for the heart itself, not just outward behavior. When He becomes our deepest affection, the spring runs clean, and our living begins to reflect Him. Guard this place gently, and let Him keep it.
Proverbs 4:23 at a glance
| Reference | Proverbs 4:23 |
|---|---|
| Book | Proverbs |
| Chapter to read it in | Proverbs 4 |
| Topic | guidance |
| Passages linked to it | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Read it beside its neighbours. These are the passages readers most often set next to this one.
- Luke 6:45
- Matthew 12:34-35
- Mark 7:21-23
- Psalms 139:23-24
- Proverbs 13:3
- Jeremiah 17:9
- Matthew 15:19
- Proverbs 23:19
- Proverbs 28:26
- Mark 14:38
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where do I find Proverbs 4:23?
It is in Proverbs, in Proverbs 4. Reading the whole chapter shows who is speaking, to whom, and why.
What other passages go with Proverbs 4:23?
Readers most often set it beside Luke 6:45, Matthew 12:34-35, Mark 7:21-23, Psalms 139:23-24. Each is listed under Read it in context.
How can I pray Proverbs 4:23?
Read it slowly once, then say it back to God in your own words, one phrase at a time. Stop on the phrase that stays with you and stay there. You can also ask the family of God on The Living Bread to pray it with you.
Pray this
Father, you are already present in Proverbs 4:23, before any of us arrive. We bring you Proverbs 4:23, guidance. Make us people who love one another there. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Three small things you can do this week.
- Read all of Proverbs 4 today, not only the one verse.
- Write Proverbs 4:23 where you will see it, and read it aloud at the start and end of the day.
- Tell one person what this verse means to you, and ask what verse has carried them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Christ meets people in a place, and then walks on with them. Here are doors that walk on.
Read it, pray it, live it
On The Living Bread you can read the whole chapter, save this verse, ask Simon to explain it, pray it over your life, and share it with someone who needs it today.
