Diagnosis and Treatment (Jeremiah 17:9)

Do these verses fight?

Proverbs 4:23 says to guard your heart, because everything flows from it. Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful above all things and incurably sick. DeWayne's answer: they don't conflict. Jeremiah gives the diagnosis, and Solomon gives the treatment plan.

Why a guard?

You only post a sentry at a gate you don't trust. Our sinful nature is already inside. Christ's blood covers us and mercy is new every morning, but we still live in the flesh, so the gate needs watching.

External standards

If you can't trust the heart on its own, you need outside help: Scripture, wise counsel, accountability groups, your spouse, and friends who will say the hard thing. DeWayne admitted his own trap is work. He has to keep reminding himself the order is God, spouse, kids, and only then the business.

Context

The verses right before 17:9 contrast trusting in man with trusting in the Lord. Verse 9 is the reason why.

Try this

• Name the people who hold you accountable, and if there aren't any, ask someone.
• Notice where "follow your heart" shows up in what you watch and read this week.