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STRUCTURE / OVERVIEW

Image: Breathing in and Breathing out. Inhaling, and Exhaling. Input and Output.

VV. 20-22 - IN

VV. 23-27 - OUT


V. 20a.

What does it mean to “be attentive to [the father’s] words", as is again commanded in v. 20? It involves the whole of the self.

“The constant repetition of such a call (introducing nearly every paragraph of this section of the book) is deliberate, for a major part of godliness lies in dogged attentiveness of familiar truths. So a kind of medical inspection follows, in which one’s state of readiness in the various realms symbolized by heart, mouth, eyes and feet, comes under review” (Kidner, 68).

VV. 20b-22.

The words and teachings of the father/teacher/instructor are to be taken in. The spoken teachings are to be greeted by the ear (v. 20) and written guidance by the eyes (v. 21). The ears and the eyes are the gateway to internalizing these truths and principles into the heart (v. 21). And from the heart, the father’s words have their effect on the whole of one’s body and life (v. 22).

V. 23.

So central is the heart, that the whole of the body is affected by what is in there. This is seen in vv. 24-27, which display how the heart affects the whole of bodily conduct.

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

“Perhaps ‘inner self’ would be a good way to translate ‘heart’ here. The inner source of life (the way one lives) which is expressed through the bodily members mentioned in the following verses. It must therefore be guarded against any evil inclinations and intentions. One aspect of this is the memorising of the father’s teaching (v. 21), but the memorising must lead to a genuine ‘internalising’ so that the teaching affects thought and behaviour” (Lucas, 68-69).

VV. 24-27.

The overarching idea in these verses is straightforwardness of life. Straightforward speech (v. 24), eyes focused aright which guide the feet in good and right action (vv. 25-27) all spring out of a heart that has deeply imbibed the truth (v.23).


PASS IT ON

It is important to note that our internalization of words will effect others. Words poured into us, kindness given to us will (or should) be naturally passed on to bless others and give them new life. Part of the picture in Proverbs 4 is how the blessings of wisdom and action are passed on down the generations, from a father to a son (4:1-3) and then when that son becomes a father, he passes it on to his son (4:10, 20).

Of course, this happens on a broader, more societal level as well. Yes, these verses are about your health, but they are also about maturing in your kingly service. Jesus’ disciples clamoured for first place. But Jesus told them that godly rulers aim to serve, not to be served. Godly rulers walk the path of the cross, and look to God for their glory to come when He comes. The godly leader sets their eyes on loving God and loving and serving people.


THE PROPER ORDER OF THINGS - TEACHING

The student needs to listen to the teacher. Where else do “words” or “leaven” come from?

"When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, 'Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, 'We brought no bread.' But Jesus, aware of this, said, 'O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? ... How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (Matthew 16:5-8, 11-12).


THE PROPER ORDER OF THINGS - THE SELF

The self has an order. Again, it is the “teacher” in us which is to be first.

It is the intellect/will which governs the body. In Hebrew thought, the heart is not mere intellect, but mind + will. later, in Paul and due to the Greek line of thinking, the heart is split in two parts: the Mind (intellect) and the heart/spirit (will).


QUESTIONS

~ It is common knowledge that we need to feed on good things. This is true of our all our "diets" - food, rest, friends, books, influences, etc. Where do you need to change up the source that you are "feeding" on?

~ How will you guard your heart today?