Most of scripture was written thousands of years ago and orally (memorized) and handed down through generations then eventually (as technology gave way to) was put to script followed by scribes carefully debating every word. Somehow, perhaps miraculously, I believe the message has stayed whole, or within the ideals of inspiration. However, a bit like the telephone game spanning over generations and multiple language differences, study is necessary; and what the scripture describes as a sign of intimacy with God.

Know the scripture and know Jesus.

Matt 6:21 is a rough quote of Psalm 37:4, Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Often when we talk about what was written in the pages of old and emphasized by Jesus, we find a notion that everyone is on their own journey but at the end of the day the devotion of the heart is likely the measure of person before the Lord. Proverbs 4:23 plainly reads in most English translations something like, “above all guard your heart.”

The devotion of the heart is based on circular Hebraic thinking. Essentially if you train yourself to diligently pursue something spiritual, eventually it becomes you or what your life embodies. You are a representation of that which you (TRULY) love. God started this process by opening the invitation, you meet Him with offering your heart’s devotion (as a sacrifice placed on the altar), and then He bless and keeps you transforming your heart and giving you immeasurably more. The end result is a partnership similar to what was presented in Eden. But there is also a sense of opposites in this way of thinking too; it is contranym language; if your heart is in the world then that is the path you will walk.

Like so many, this verse is sometimes misunderstood, particularly the idea of “guarding.”

It doesn’t flow well but you can see the Hebrew carries a bit different rendering, in diligence or devotion, keep (guard, cultivate, condition) your heart out of or from the “spring” or the “issues of life.” When you break this down it gives you a different idea than we might get than thinking about simply “guarding” our heart.

• Mismar (diligence): The Hebrew word “mishmar” primarily refers to a place or state of guarding or keeping watch. It can denote a physical location such as a prison or a figurative state of being under watch or custody. The term is used to describe both the act of guarding and the place where guarding occurs. In ancient Israel, the concept of guarding was integral to both religious and societal structures. The Levites, for example, were tasked with guarding the tabernacle and later the temple, ensuring that sacred spaces were protected. The idea of watchfulness extended to various aspects of life, including the protection of cities, the safeguarding of individuals, and the maintenance of moral and spiritual vigilance.
  
• Nesor (keep):The Hebrew verb “natsar” primarily means to guard or keep something with care. It conveys the idea of protecting or preserving something valuable, often with a sense of vigilance and attentiveness. In the biblical context, it is frequently used to describe the act of keeping commandments, guarding one’s heart, or preserving knowledge and wisdom. In ancient Israelite culture, the concept of guarding or keeping was integral to daily life, whether it involved protecting physical possessions, maintaining the purity of religious practices, or upholding moral and ethical standards. The Israelites were often reminded to “natsar” God’s commandments as a sign of their covenant relationship with Him. This term reflects the broader Near Eastern understanding of stewardship and responsibility.
  
• Libbeka (heart): n the Hebrew Bible, “leb” primarily refers to the heart, not just as a physical organ but as the center of human emotion, thought, will, and moral character. It encompasses the inner life of a person, including feelings, desires, intellect, and decision-making processes. The heart is seen as the seat of wisdom and understanding, as well as the source of moral and spiritual life. In ancient Hebrew culture, the heart was considered the core of a person’s being. Unlike modern Western thought, which often separates emotion and intellect, the Hebrew concept of the heart integrates these aspects. The heart is where one discerns truth, makes decisions, and experiences emotions. It is also the place where one encounters God and responds to His commandments. The heart’s condition is crucial in determining one’s relationship with God and others.
  
• Mimmenu (out of it): The Hebrew preposition “min” is a versatile term used to denote separation, origin, cause, comparison, and time. It often indicates the point of departure or the source from which something originates. It can also be used in comparative contexts to express “more than” or “less than.” In ancient Hebrew culture, prepositions like “min” were crucial for conveying relationships between objects, people, and concepts. The use of “min” reflects a worldview that emphasizes origins and sources, which is consistent with the biblical emphasis on lineage, heritage, and divine causality. Understanding the use of “min” helps in grasping the relational dynamics present in biblical narratives and laws.
  
• Towsowt (issues): The Hebrew word “totsaah” primarily refers to the concept of an “outcome” or “end result.” It can also denote an “exit” or “issue,” emphasizing the conclusion or result of a process or event. In the biblical context, it often relates to the outcomes of actions, decisions, or divine interventions. In ancient Hebrew culture, the concept of outcomes or results was significant, as it often reflected divine will or judgment. The Israelites understood that their actions, whether righteous or sinful, would lead to specific outcomes, which were seen as either blessings or curses from God. This understanding was deeply embedded in their covenant relationship with Yahweh, where obedience led to favorable outcomes, and disobedience led to adverse consequences. The “flowing spring” is a reference to the refining waters of Eden.
  
• Hayyim (of life): The Hebrew word “chay” primarily denotes the state of being alive or living. It is used to describe living creatures, life itself, and sometimes metaphorically to refer to prosperity or vitality. In the Old Testament, “chay” is often used to contrast with death, emphasizing the dynamic and active nature of life. It can also refer to the quality of life, such as in expressions of well-being or flourishing. In ancient Hebrew culture, life was seen as a divine gift from God, and the concept of “chay” was deeply intertwined with the covenant relationship between God and His people. Life was not only a biological state but also a spiritual condition, reflecting one’s relationship with God. The Israelites understood life as a blessing and a sign of God’s favor, often associated with obedience to God’s commandments and the resulting peace and prosperity.

Putting all of this together, we find garden language, bringing back Edenic ways of living and walking with God. “Guard” takes on the idea of cherubim guarding Eden but so much more. It speaks to devotion, it speaks to cultivating, it speaks to keeping which is something that you present as a sacrifice and God accepts and “cultivates”. It speaks to diligence and perseverance; it speaks to the way work before the Lord was intended and not what the fall made toil into. It speaks to passions of the circular dance of grace and the very reason we were destined to give glory to Jesus. It is a return to things that were given by God and entrusted to us in a partnership with Him.

These things that are TOV start with the heart and end with the heart shepherded by Jesus Himself.