Daily Devotional for Thursday, October 16

Apply Your Heart

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips,” Proverbs 22:17, 18.

The word “apply” can give the implication of a protective coating. For instance, when painting a piece of furniture, you will first apply or put on one or two coats of paint, varnish or stain of your choice. Then, generally, the next step is to apply a protective coating that will keep the piece of furniture from stain or scratches. Also, when you get a burn or a wound of some sort, you also apply a protective ointment to keep it clean and to help it heal.

            So far in the proverbs you have seen the repetition of the word wisdom. Repetition is okay because it shows the importance of something. “Bow down thine ear” (verse 17) gives reference to come close and listen or pay attention to what I am saying. What I want to tell you is this, hear those who are wise because they know the counsel they give is important. Then it is up to you to apply what is said. The words of the wise throughout the proverbs are godly admonitions given to you by God. When you apply wisdom, you are protecting yourself from evil and sin.

            Think about applying a protective coat to the furniture piece. Would you apply it only in certain areas, leaving others exposed? No, you would not. This is why the verse says to apply your heart. It is not enough to know God’s Word; this does not protect you. To be protected from the world and its influence, you need a heart change. Application will bring that change.

            How do you apply God’s Word to your heart? It is only through obedience as the Spirit leads.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Sometimes we do not want to take the time or the effort to apply, but the protection it provides is well worth it.

Karry Irizarry