Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. [New International translation]
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. [New International translation]
Proverbs 23:15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad. [New International translations]
Summary:
Many of the proverbs in the Book of Proverbs have been called “the wise sayings of King Solomon.” Solomon, the son of King David, was the wisest man ever—because GOD gave him wisdom. 1 Kings 4:29 states that GOD gave Solomon wisdom and understanding that exceeded the wisdom of all those in the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. He was the wisest man of his time. (1 Kings 4:31) Solomon’s wisdom was as “measureless as the sand on the seashore.” (1 Kings 4:29) He wrote 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs. (1Kings 4:32).
Solomon great wisdom and understanding was a “gift” and “a burden.” It was not for self-gratification or self-aggrandizement. Solomon’s wisdom was for service. Knowing that he would one day become King, Solomon asked GOD (in a dream) for the wisdom to be a good leader and a good teacher to GOD’s people. And because Solomon loved GOD and had a heart for service, GOD answered Solomon’s prayer. 1 Kings 3:12.
And so Solomon began to study. Solomon “applied himself “and searched for understanding about “everything in the universe.” (Ecclesiastes 1:12-15) He was passionate about learning. He put “his heart” into the task. It wasn’t magical. It was hard work. After great effort and study, Solomon wrote what he had learned. He wrote a series of proverbs.
The lessons of Proverbs 3:5; Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 23:15 are “lessons of the heart.” Mindful of human nature, and the tendency of students or children to think “they know it all,” “to ignore the instruction of a teacher,” “to not listen” or “to let their passions lead them in the wrong direction,” Solomon basically reminds the children of Israel and all humanity to “guard the heart,” According to Solomon, listening and trusting GOD is like drinking water for life. GOD WORD is a fountain of knowledge. It is a wellspring. GOD WORD is a recipe for a good life.
According to Solomon, when we love GOD (i.e., when we get the heart right), then everything else falls in place. As our ancestor’s put it: “Give GOD your best (your heart and hands willing to serve) and HE will do the rest.” We just need to have a heart for GOD.
The Heart
Heart disease is still the number one cause of death in the United States. Heart disease refers to a number of cardiovascular conditions: coronary artery disease; stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease are some of the most common. All races and all ages can get heart disease.
According to the CDC (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention), in 2011 diseases of the heart accounted for approximately 596,555 deaths, 23.7% of all deaths in the United States. See, “Deaths: Leading Causes for 2011 by Melonie Heron, Ph.D., www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr64/nvsr64_07.pdf.
In a recent study on heart disease, it was noted that heart disease rates for persons 65 and over have consistently fallen since 1979; however, heart disease rates for young adults have not shown the same decline. It was noted that from 1990-1999, there was no improvement in heart disease rates among women under the age of 55 and for men in the same age group rates only fell 1.2%.
In contrast, for adults age 65 and older, not only has there been a consistent improvement since 1979, but the rate of improvement has “accelerated” since 2000. It was noted: "Some reports suggest that diabetes and obesity may pose a greater heart disease risk in younger women than in other groups, and women need to become more aware of the heart risks of these conditions," See, “Heart disease deaths ‘only slightly improve’ in young adults over past 3 decades,” August 25, 2015, reporting on a study in Circulation, www. medicalnewstoday.com.
Improving one’s diet, increasing exercise, decreasing sedentary activities, like watching TV, are some of the ways often cited for improving one’s heart health. However, you should speak with your personal physician during your annual physical or during a physician appointment regarding what specifically you should do.
Some of the food that are often cited as “Super Heart foods” include:
- Blueberries and Strawberries – “According to one recent study, women aged 25 through 42 who ate more than three servings of blueberries and strawberries a week had a 32% lower risk of heart attack compared with those who ate less. The authors of the study attributed the benefit to compounds known as anthocyanins, flavonoids (which are antioxidants) that may decrease blood pressure and dilate blood vessels. Anthocyanins give plants their red and blue colors.”
- Citrus Fruits – “Women who consume high amounts of the flavonoids found in oranges and grapefruits have a 19% lower risk of ischemic stroke (caused by a clot) than women who don't get as much of these compounds, a recent study found. Citrus fruits are also high in vitamin C, which has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease. Beware of citrus juices that contain added sugar. And be aware that grapefruit products may interfere with the action of the cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins.”
- Soy Products– (e.g. edamame beans) “Soy products, including tofu and soy milk, are a good way to add protein to your diet without unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Soy products contain high levels of polyunsaturated fats (good for your health), fiber, vitamins, and minerals. What's more, soy may reduce blood pressure in people who eat a diet high in refined carbohydrates. And compared with milk or other proteins, soy protein can actually decrease LDL or "bad" cholesterol.”
- Tomatoes – “Tomato consumption in the U.S. has been rising and that's a good thing. Like potatoes, tomatoes are high in heart-healthy potassium. Plus, they're a good source of the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that may help get rid of "bad" cholesterol, keep blood vessels open, and lower heart attack risk. And because they're low in calories and low in sugar, they don't detract from an already-healthy diet. "They're excellent for the body in a number of ways," says Graf.”
- Nuts – “This includes almonds, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts and macadamia nuts, all of which contain good-for-your-heart fiber. They also contain vitamin E, which helps lower bad cholesterol. And some, like walnuts, are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
See, “18 Superfoods For Your Heart,” www.health.com.
Guard Your Heart
It’s school time! Children, teens, young adults, older adults and teachers are returning to school. If you have a niece, nephew, son, daughter, relative, or know anyone else starting or returning to school, please pray for them. During the school year, please encourage them. Tell them how proud you are that they have a passion for learning. Send them notes, cards, letters, text messages and e-mails. Encourage them to study, to listen to their teachers and apply themselves. Sprinkle words of praise during the school year. Tell them that GOD still uses wise men and women, with a heart for wisdom and service. Let them know you will pray for them during all their tests and throughout the school year. Let the children, teens and young adults know that they are the heart of our families, our communities and our church.
If you are around students set a good example and encourage friends and family (including church family members) to set a good example too. Prepare healthy snacks and eat healthy snacks around them. Let them see you read and study. Encourage them to exercise and let them see you exercise too. Eat right together. Exercise together. Study scripture together. Guard their heart as you guard your own.
Like Solomon, let us all apply ourselves and study hard. Let’s protect our hearts passionately. Let us put our hearts into the task of serving GOD and others. Like Solomon, let us all study hard to be better servants for HIM.
GOD is ready to teach. GOD is still the source of wisdom. We need only open our mind and heart to HIM.
Give GOD your heart, your best and BE BLESSED!
