CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Guarding Your Heart</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/g/guarding_your_heart.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/proverbs/4-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/g/guarding.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Guarding Your Heart</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/g/guarding_your_associations.htm" title="Guarding Your Associations">◄</a> Guarding Your Heart <a href="/topical/g/guarding_your_spirit.htm" title="Guarding Your Spirit">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#top" title="Topical Bible Verses">Topical</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Introduction</b><br><br>The concept of "guarding your heart" is a significant theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's inner life from spiritual and moral corruption. This idea is rooted in the understanding that the heart is the center of one's being, influencing thoughts, actions, and spiritual health. The Bible provides guidance on how to guard one's heart, highlighting its importance in maintaining a righteous and faithful life.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundation</b><br><br>The primary scriptural reference for guarding the heart is found in <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>: "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life" . This verse underscores the heart's role as the source of life, suggesting that the condition of the heart directly affects one's overall well-being and spiritual vitality.<br><br><b>The Heart in Biblical Context</b><br><br>In biblical terms, the heart is more than just the seat of emotions; it encompasses the mind, will, and spirit. It is the core of a person's identity and the source of moral and spiritual conduct. <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> describes the heart as "deceitful above all things and beyond cure" , indicating the need for vigilance and divine intervention in maintaining its purity.<br><br><b>Guarding Against Sin</b><br><br>Guarding the heart involves protecting it from sin and temptation. Jesus taught that evil thoughts and actions originate from the heart (<a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21-23</a>). Therefore, believers are encouraged to fill their hearts with God's Word and wisdom. <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a> states, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You" , highlighting the protective power of Scripture.<br><br><b>Renewal and Transformation</b><br><br>The New Testament emphasizes the transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit. <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a> urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" . This renewal is essential for guarding the heart, as it aligns one's desires and thoughts with God's will.<br><br><b>Practical Steps for Guarding the Heart</b><br><br>1. <b>Prayer and Meditation</b>: Regular communication with God through prayer and meditation on His Word helps to align the heart with divine purposes. <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6-7</a> encourages believers to present their requests to God, promising that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" .<br><br>2. <b>Discernment and Wisdom</b>: Seeking wisdom and discernment is crucial for making righteous decisions. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> assures that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. <a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">Proverbs 2:10-11</a> states, "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you" .<br><br>3. <b>Community and Accountability</b>: Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability. <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24-25</a> encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together" .<br><br>4. <b>Mindful Consumption</b>: Being mindful of what one consumes—whether media, literature, or conversations—affects the heart. <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a> advises focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>Guarding the heart is a continuous, intentional process that requires reliance on God's strength and wisdom. By prioritizing spiritual disciplines, seeking divine guidance, and engaging with a supportive community, believers can protect their hearts from the influences of sin and cultivate a life that honors God.<a name="top" id="top"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Bible Verses</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a></span><br>Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3</a></span><br>But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints;<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br>And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20</a></span><br>But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/naylor/heart_talks/talk_twenty-seven_what_happened_to.htm"><span class="l">What Happened to Solomon</span></a> <br><b>...</b> you know what effect they are having upon <b>your heart</b> and <b>your</b> life? upon <b>your</b> thoughts<br> and <b>your</b> soul's attitude? Are you diligently <b>guarding</b> yourself against <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../naylor/heart talks/talk twenty-seven what happened to.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kempis/the_imitation_of_christ/the_seventh_chapter_the_examination.htm"><span class="l">The Seventh Chapter: the Examination of Conscience and the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> permits, confess to God in the secret depths of <b>your heart</b> all the miseries <b>your</b><br> passions have <b>...</b> so full of roving lust, so careless in <b>guarding</b> the external <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the seventh chapter the examination.htm</font><p><a href="/library/sainte-foi/serious_hours_of_a_young_lady/chapter_xvi_desire_to_please.htm"><span class="l">Desire to Please.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> you have but one means, however, of <b>guarding</b> yourself against <b>...</b> It is in such encounters<br> that <b>your</b> conversation should <b>...</b> confidence or intimacy; for the <b>heart</b> of a <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xvi desire to please.htm</font><p><a href="/library/barrows/companion_to_the_bible/prefatory_remarks.htm"><span class="l">Prefatory Remarks.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of their own faith, yet for the purpose of silencing gainsayers, and <b>guarding</b> the<br> young <b>...</b> Open <b>your heart</b> to the light of heaven, and God will shine into it from <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/prefatory remarks.htm</font><p><a href="/library/allen/the_way_of_peace/the_acquirement_of_spiritual_power.htm"><span class="l">The Acquirement of Spiritual Power</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Deeply intent upon defending and <b>guarding</b> his own interests, he regards all means<br> as <b>...</b> garment of <b>your</b> soul is bereft of every stain, and <b>your heart</b> has become <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../allen/the way of peace/the acquirement of spiritual power.htm</font><p><a href="/library/de_caussade/abandonment_to_divine_providence/letter_xv_the_use_of_afflictions.htm"><span class="l">Letter xv. --The Use of Afflictions.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> all the time there it was at the bottom of <b>your heart</b>! <b>...</b> without effort, with the higher<br> powers of <b>your</b> soul, and <b>...</b> is no other way of safe-<b>guarding</b> oneself, than <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xv the use of afflictions.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hession/the_calvary_road/chapter_4_the_highway_of.htm"><span class="l">The Highway of Holiness</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Mere sightseers won't get very far. "Ye shall find Me when ye shall search for Me<br> with all <b>your heart</b>.". A Low Door. At the top of the hill, <b>guarding</b> the way to <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 4 the highway of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_i/christs_peace.htm"><span class="l">Christ's Peace</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Keep near Him, my brother; and then all things are fair, and <b>your heart</b> is at peace <b>...</b><br> That is what our hearts may be, if we let Christ put His <b>guarding</b> hand round <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs peace.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lactantius/the_divine_institutes/chap_xvii_of_the_superstitions_of.htm"><span class="l">Of the Superstitions of the Jews, and their Hatred against Jesus.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> <b>your</b> God, and take away the foreskins of <b>your heart</b>, lest my <b>...</b> as man does, but the<br> innermost secrets of the <b>heart</b>. <b>...</b> of milk, or keep watch for <b>guarding</b> our houses <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvii of the superstitions of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/doddridge/the_rise_and_progress_of_religion_in_the_soul/chapter_xiv_a_more_particular.htm"><span class="l">A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> you may be mentioning them before God in <b>your</b> daily addresses <b>...</b> May I speak the truth<br> from my <b>heart</b>; (Psa.15 <b>...</b> I speak it in love, (Eph.4:15) <b>guarding</b> against every <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/kept-the-faith.html">What did Paul mean when he said he had kept the faith? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-appear.html">Do angels appear to people today? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/swoon-theory.html">What is the Swoon Theory? Did Jesus survive the crucifixion? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/guarding.htm">Guarding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/g/guarding.htm">Guarding</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/g/guarding_your_heart.htm">Guarding Your Heart</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/guardrooms.htm">Guardrooms (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/guarding.htm">Guarding (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philippians.htm">Philippians (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/discomfiture.htm">Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/g/guarding_your_associations.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Guarding Your Associations"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Guarding Your Associations" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/g/guarding_your_spirit.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Guarding Your Spirit"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Guarding Your Spirit" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>