#1310. Proverbs 4:24–27 – Speech, vision and direction (18/7/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 4:24-27, we reflect on how our speech, vision and direction reflect the condition of our hearts. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below

In this section, we are urged to ‘give careful thought’ to how we live. This involves the three areas of speech, vision and direction. 

i. Speech

Firstly, a wise person will be careful in how they speak. What we say has great power and so we are told: ‘Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.’ However, it’s important to remember that our speech reveals the condition of our heart. This links directly with what we’ve looked at in the previous verse, when we were urged: 

‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’ (Proverbs 4:23)

Our speech is protected, not by self-restraint alone, but by setting our hearts on God and good things. The things we meditate on will transform what we speak about and how we speak. Later in chapter 18, we are told:

The wise person is both ‘deep’ and ‘bubbling’ - they think about the deep and important things of God and life; they are also ‘bubbling’, that is, accessible in how they speak. 

ii. Vision

Secondly, the wise person is careful with their vision. They look at things that are worthy. They don’t look with intent to sin. This is why Jesus likens vision to a lamp - what we look at affects the soul:

Here we see a progression: if we fail to protect our heart, we speak; from speech, we progress to looking, and from looking, if not careful to guard our heart, one can progress to direction - the paths we take. 

iii. Direction

Thirdly, a wise person gives ‘careful thought to [their] paths…’ They listen to God, look on His wisdom, and choose His paths. Having filled their minds and hearts with truth, they have a compass that directs them. 

Today, let’s be reminded that the paths we take are at the end of a process. Just like leaving our homes to go on a journey is at the end of a process of reflection and packing, so the ways we choose in life reflect what we’ve been putting into our hearts, which led to speech, which led to looking, which led to taking a particular path. 

In response, let’s ask ourselves, what do our lives say about the condition of our hearts? Do the words we use, things we look at, and the paths we take honour Jesus and speak of our love for Him?

Let’s pray together 

“Father, I give you my heart again and commit myself to guarding my heart. Fill me with your Word. Fill me with your Spirit. Fill me with your wisdom so that my speech, vision, and direction please and honour you. Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #6. Proverbs 4:1–27 — Guard your heart.

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.