This Proverbs mini-series is focused on developing a biblical anthropology of “the heart.” In the first three weeks, we will ask: What is the heart? How is it shaped? And how does it become wise? In the second three weeks, we will deal with common heart problems.

OPENING DISCUSSION
What is one of your most treasured possessions? What do you do to ensure that it stays safe and protected?

BIG IDEA
Who we are and what our lives become flow out of the heart. The heart is the “spring” of life—an always flowing source of water, for better or worse. Therefore, “keeping” or “guarding” our hearts is the most important thing we can do.

Proverbs 4:20-27

Read Proverbs 4:23
At the center of our text is this summons, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” The command “keep” refers to watching closely over something. The word “vigilance” comes from a Hebrew word that often describes a guard watching over prisoners. Solomon tells us to vigilantly watch over our hearts because the springs of life flow from them. If we don’t protect our hearts, those springs will be corrupted, and instead of bringing life, they will bring death.

• What specific temptations or distractions have the most potential to poison the spring of your heart? Explain.
• Explain how you “Keep your heart with all vigilance” to protect your heart from corrupting influences.

Read Proverbs 4:20-22
In these two verses, Solomon tells us that the first way to “keep our hearts with all vigilance” is by “inclining” our ears to biblical wisdom and by “keeping” God’s words within our hearts. Solomon promises that when we do this, God’s word will bring healing and life to us.

• What is your practice of Bible reading, study, and meditation?
• What does it practically look like to “keep” God’s word in your heart?

Read Proverbs 4:24-27
In this section, Solomon tells us that the second way to “keep our hearts with all vigilance” is by exerting effort in our sanctification. He gives practical exhortations referring to how we speak (v24), how we think (v25), how we prioritize and plan our lives (v26), and how we handle distraction and temptation (v27). The point is that “keeping our hearts” begins with an inward commitment to believing God’s word (vv20-22) but is completed by an outward commitment to obeying God’s word (vv24-27).

• Dallas Willard famously said, “Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning.” Discuss your thoughts with the group.
• Of the four areas listed by Solomon (how we speak, think, plan our lives, and handle distraction and temptation), which area needs the most focused work in your life? Explain. 
• Describe what repentance and faith in this area need to look like.