King Solomon, who collected and arranged most of the sayings in the Book of Proverbs, was a brilliant thinker. But he didn't consistently model for his own children what he advocated. Our kids, too, will pick up our values more from what they observe us read, listen to, and view, than from the values we recommend. So we need to be on constant guard duty.

1. Since we usually find time to do what we enjoy, what do your leisure activities say about your affections?



2. What is the goal of guarding your heart?



3. What actions that help guard your heart are listed in verses 24-27?



4. How can you "stick to the path and stay safe" (v. 26)?



5. What are some assumptions in the media (v. 19) that could easily trip you up?



6. How can you reinforce your confidence that the "way of the righteous" (v. 18) is the only way with a truly bright outlook?

Ask God for a firm resolve to honor Him in all that you allow yourself and your family to be exposed to.

¹⁸The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. ¹⁹But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over. ²⁰Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully.

²¹Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, ²²for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning. ²³Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.

²⁴Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech. ²⁵Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. ²⁶Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. ²⁷Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, when I relax, it's easy to let my guard down. Please keep me spiritually vigilant all the time.

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