Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

When we begin reading Proverbs 23, it can feel like we’re being hit with a long list of “don’ts.” Don’t envy. Don’t overeat. Don’t drink too much. Don’t chase after riches.

If I had to guess, most of us don’t enjoy being told what to do. It can feel restrictive, like a loss of freedom. But Scripture has never been about controlling us; it’s about guiding us. Good parents give their children boundaries not to limit them, but to lead them into a life that is safe, joyful, and good. The Lord, as a good Father, does the same for us. His ways demonstrate what leads to life—and what slowly pulls us away from it.

Solomon’s words invite us to pause and reflect on where our hearts are headed. In this chapter, he warns us about the dangers of excess and the allure of false promises—quick success, easy happiness, and fleeting satisfaction. This is a call to live intentionally, to choose the right path even when the wrong one appears more tempting or convenient.

But this passage isn’t just about alcohol, money, or gluttony. It’s not here to help us find a "safe limit" to live by. Instead, it’s a reminder to look inward and be honest about what holds our attention and fills our hearts. It challenges us to reflect on what we place our value and worth in. If we’re constantly asking how close we can get to the edge without falling, we’ve missed the point. The goal isn’t to see how much we can get away with and still follow Christ—it’s to be so committed to what truly matters that the lesser things simply lose their grip.

Solomon’s words prompt us to ask:

• What am I treasuring most?
• What’s taking up space in my heart?

Because what we allow in will eventually shape what flows out. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

If we’re filling our hearts with God’s wisdom and truth, our lives will begin to reflect peace, purpose, and joy—not because we’re following rules out of obligation, but because we’re living with intention and love.

Here are a few practical ways to begin putting this into practice this week:

1. Be mindful of what you feed your heart.

Ask yourself: What am I consuming each day (social media, entertainment, conversations)? Are these things helping me grow in wisdom or slowly pulling me away from it?

2. Practice self-control.

Enjoy the good things in life, but don’t let them control you. Seek balance. Glorify the Lord with what you consume, how you spend your time and money, and how you show up in your relationships. Practice saying “no” to excess so you can say “yes” to what really matters.

3. Seek God’s wisdom daily.

God doesn’t leave us to figure it out on our own. Ask Him to guide your heart. Pray for clarity, courage, and strength to walk in the ways He’s calling you to.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about direction. So, where is your heart headed today?

Let’s commit to guarding it well, pouring it into the things that bring life, and trusting God to shape us into people of wisdom.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.