Proverbs 423

Proverbs 4:23 is a verse from the Book of Proverbs in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is part of a collection of wisdom literature attributed to King Solomon. The verse reads: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (New International Version). In Hebrew, this verse is written as: "מִכָּל־מִשְׁמָר, שְׁמֹר לְבָבְךָ, כִּי הוּא חַיֶּיךָ" (Mikol-mishmar, sh'mor levav'cha, ki hu chayyecha). The verse emphasizes the importance of protecting one's heart, which in this context refers to the center of one's being, including thoughts, emotions, and intentions. The heart is seen as the source of all actions and decisions, making it crucial to guard it from negative influences. This passage is often interpreted as an exhortation to maintain moral integrity and spiritual vigilance. In Greek, the Septuagint translates the verse as: "Πάντων φυλάττει τὴν καρδίαν σου, ὅτι ἐκ τούτου ἡ ζωὴ σου" (Panton phylattei tēn kardia sou, hoti ek toutou ē zōē sou). In Latin, the Vulgate renders it as: "Ab omni custodia custodi cor tuum, quoniam ipse est vita tua" (Ab omni custodia custodi cor tuum, quoniam ipse est vita tua).