September / October 2026 Volume 108, Number 5

In the Beginning – The Book of Proverbs

The book of Proverbs contains much wisdom applicable to the growth of the New Creation. An extraordinary insight comes from Proverbs 4:23, which admonishes the reader to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV). This issue considers seven Proverbs that help us better understand how the Christian may guard the heart, showing how it may be protected, disciplined, and more fully shaped according to the will of God. Read more…

Guarding the Heart – Above All Else

Jesus makes this connection explicit: “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man” (Matthew 15:18). Paired with the wisdom of Proverbs, his words establish a strong link between the condition of the heart and our actions in daily life. This understanding allows us to examine ourselves honestly and to confront the sins and weaknesses that are revealed. Read more…

Accepting Rebuke – Patient Humility

This proverb is a “hard saying” for several reasons. First, reproof is hard to give sincerely, and in most cases, even harder to receive sincerely. Second, the proverb deals only in extremes. It identifies two distinct subjects of reproof, the scoffer and the wise man. There are two opposing effects of reproof: hate and love. But like many challenging passages of scripture, and similar to many of the contrasts found in the book of Proverbs, this hard saying offers a bounty of compelling lessons for the follower of God’s principles. The appreciation gained from this proverb has special application to anyone seeking to improve their character and provides a special blessing to those Christians seeking spiritual growth. Read more…

Wisdom for Guarding the Heart – The Cruelty of False Mercy

The theme of this article, “Wisdom for Guarding the Heart,” calls us to deeper spiritual discernment and a more rigorous examination of the motives and principles that guide our walk.

Proverbs 12:10 presents us with an important and challenging paradox. We may easily understand the first clause: a righteous man, reflecting the character of his Creator, is just and kind even to the animals in his care. But the second clause is jarring: how can “tender mercies” be “cruel”? Read more…

Soft Words in a Harsh World – Turning Away Wrath

We often underestimate the power of words. They express feelings of love, hate, and a range of emotions in between. Words can start wars or encourage peace (James 3:5). Through them, we express our beliefs, desires, and intentions. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21). In other words, the “fruit” of a person’s words will have consequences for the one speaking them. Knowing that our words reveal the condition of our heart, we can see that governing the tongue is an essential part of guarding the heart. Read more…

News and Views – Current Events

The Wise Learn from the Wise – Learning from Others

The theme text above reminds us that the people we choose to surround our-selves with play an important role in the growth of our character. From it, we learn that we may become wise by walking with the wise — listening to their counsel and learning from their example. By contrast, we must also avoid corrupting influences and maintain a clear conscience. In this way, Proverbs 13:20 shows us another practical way the Christian must guard the heart: by carefully choosing the influences we allow to surround us and shape us. This is an important principle for any who seek to guard the heart from sin and maintain close fellowship with God. Read more…

The Importance of Self-Control – Slow to Anger

The theme text above highlights the importance of ruling our spirit. To do this, one must exercise self-control. Doing so is one way the Christian guards the heart because it ensures that the inner life is not ruled by selfishness. Proverbs 16:32 compares this self-control to the work of conquering a city and teaches that the greater victory is not over outward enemies but over the impulses of the heart. The first half of the proverb emphasizes the difficulty of controlling anger. Anger rises quickly, presses for expression, and often seeks to justify itself after it has lashed out. If the heart is to be guarded, such impulses must not be allowed to rule unchecked. Read more…

Letting God Direct Our Steps – Advice from Proverbs

This issue concludes with the powerful thought that while we may plan our way, it is God who has the final say in our lives. Few scriptures so gently, and yet so firmly, capture the balance of the Christian life as Proverbs 16:9. Read more…

My Strong Tower