Introduction

Good morning. We’ve been journeying through Proverbs this summer, exploring themes like justice, the poor, listening, trust, and wealth. As an executive and non-staff elder, I was asked to speak on priorities, a topic I'm deeply familiar with. I expected to find a lot about time management, but what Proverbs really emphasizes is a different kind of priority: who we are becoming over what we are doing. Tim Keller says it best: the book doesn't talk as much about how God guides as it does about who God guides.

Scripture References

Proverbs 4:20-23, Proverbs 3:13-15, Proverbs 16:18-19, Proverbs 12:1-2, Proverbs 2:7-8, Micah 6:8, Ephesians 5:15-17

Key Points

The Primary Priority: The Heart
- Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (NIV) The word "vigilance"—close and continuous attention—is used here for the only time in Proverbs. Our inner life is under attack from anxiety and fractured relationships, yet we often prioritize our to-do lists over our hearts. The true test of our inner life is our level of peace. If we don't prioritize our hearts, the "streams of life" will dry up.
Three Habits to Revive the Heart
1. Prioritizing God and His Wisdom: This is the most repeated command in Proverbs. Wisdom is more precious than jewels (Proverbs 3:13-15). It's simple, yet hard for our distracted generation. Studies show it takes over 23 minutes to refocus after distraction. To combat this, create space and silence. Consider using a pen and paper to read and journal, which boosts focus and deeper thinking.
2. Embracing Humility: Pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). It's exhausting to carry a narrative of superiority and separates us from God and others. Humility, however, is a balm that heals. It recognizes our limitations, encourages receptiveness to correction, and leads to healing and refreshment (Proverbs 3:7-8). Turn at reproof, especially from the Lord or those who love you, and He will pour out His Spirit.
3. Pursuing Wholeness (Integrity): Integrity, or wholeness, means living without duplicity. It's not just honesty, but the alignment of what we believe with what we do. The "crookedness of the treacherous" destroys them (Proverbs 11:3). Often, we lack integrity because we are afraid of what others will think. But the Lord is a shield to those who pursue wholeness, protecting those who take the risk to expose their fractures and secret sins (Proverbs 2:7).

Conclusion

Our inner lives must be a priority. We must be vigilant about our hearts, as the Lord commands. If we take up these habits—seeking wisdom, embracing humility, and pursuing wholeness—the Lord will give us back tenfold what we sacrifice, and "streams of living water" will flow from our hearts. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.

Calls to Action

Acknowledge your inner state: Take a moment to honestly assess the condition of your heart.
Create time: Schedule time for God's Word, prayer, and silence to combat distraction. Consider writing by hand.
Embrace Humility: Open your heart to correction from the Lord and those who care for you.
Pursue Wholeness: Take the risk to expose a hidden struggle or area of your life that's fractured. Trust that the Lord will be your shield.

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Proverbs: Priorities

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