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I have a small journal that I write my favorite bible verses and quotes. I have had it since 2005 and have added the most meaningful (to me) bible verses and quotes over the years. It is nice to be able to flip through the book over the years and read these important bible passages. It really is like Yahweh speaking over me. This is also an alternative to highlighting in your bible, if you want to preserve it. I think I would like to spend some time going through these passages and reflecting on what they mean to me in this blog. To start in this post I am going to discuss my #1 favorite bible passage Proverbs 4:23-27.
Above is a picture of the cover of the journal and the inside title pages. Below I have posted the image of my journal entry where I wrote the verses. Below that picture is the type text of the verse. I have included the Restored Names King James Version (RNKJV) and the New Living Translation (NLT). I know some people have an aversion to the flowery language of the KJV but I really think it makes this verse bloom, and is my favorite version. I will also discuss the NLT and how that version evokes a different feeling.
Proverbs 4:23-27 RNKJV23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:23–27 (NLT):23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
So what does this passage mean to me and why do I like it so much? Well in general the bible passage is talking about a person who is on a journey. A journey of life. And while they are on that journey, they should look straight ahead, focus on what is right in front of them. So in the journey of life, don't look back, keep going forward, focus on the next step.
KJV says in verse 23 "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established" but NLT says "26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path." So what I get from this is plan your direction in life. I looked up the Strong's definitions for this verse and the words "let all thy ways be established" means, "will be sure", stable, accomplished, prepared and ready. So if you are pondering your path, and planning it, it will be stable, prepared and accomplished.
In my journey of life, I can relate to this. There have been times where I get side tracked. Especially when I am manic, I can find myself on walking around and everything catches my attention. I will get involved in other things and my path gets off track. I'll give a personal example. One time when I was hypomanic I had the simple task of getting my prescription filled. I was being proactive in going to the Dr. and getting treatment, but the simple task of getting the prescription filled had me on a distracting journey. I remember going to the pharmacy at the local hospital, why I was going to the hospital pharmacy I am unsure, I typically use Walmart. But it was an unfamiliar place. After parking in the parking lot we walked a long zig zagging bridge and path though the hospital, which felt like forever. We finally find where the pharmacy was inside the hospital. Well something was wrong with the process and they couldn't fill the prescription. So we went to the Walmart pharmacy. I went inside and waited for the prescription to be filled. While I was waiting I got distracted talking to another patron. I felt like we were having an anointed conversation, anointed by the Spirit. Well I finally walked out after who knows how long, and at the exit there was a donation location set up there called Red Heifer. Well I thought this was also a Spiritual event. Like the final red heifer that will lead us to the new kingdom of heaven. Well I was dancing with them and talking about who knows what. Well I finally left the pharmacy, but a simple task took literally all day. So I can relate to do not turn to the right or left, don't get sidetracked.
Now I can relate to "Mark out a straight path for your feet" Plan your path. Set up goals and plan out how you are going to carry out that goal. For me lately my goal is to go the gym to exercise 4 days a week. So each night I have to plan to pack my gym bag. It is a simple task, but was a huge barrier prior. The simple act of packing the bag the night before, prepared me to go the next day. I was in the right frame of mind and had everything planned to do it.
If I apply this to other goals I have, I will accomplish so much. If you want to read more about my journey on my personal goals read by other blog Finding Excitement in the Mundane <- click="" here="">
So that covers Proverbs chapter 4 verses 25-27, but what about verses 23 and 24? I identify more with verses 25-27 but later realized verses 23 and 24 are also very important. Verse "23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV)," "23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (NLT)". So this verse is focusing on your heart, guard your heart or keep it will all diligence. The description from the Strong's (pictured below) is "preserve, guard from dangers". Be careful who you get involved with romantically or emotionally. previously in my life I have some relationships I regret, but I learned from them and now have a great relationship with my loving husband. Indeed, your heart determines the course of your life. I know my life would be completely different if I had married someone else. Yahweh saved me from those bad relationships and brought me someone I could trust with my heart and with my life.
