Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. [New International translation]
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. [New International translation]
Summary:
The Book of Proverbs has been called “the wise sayings of King Solomon.” Solomon, the son of King David, received his wisdom from GOD. 1 Kings 4:29 states that GOD gave Solomon wisdom and understanding that exceeded the wisdom of all those in the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. He was the wisest man of his time. (1 Kings 4:31) Solomon’s wisdom was as “measureless as the sand on the seashore.” (1 Kings 4:29) He wrote 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs. (1Kings 4:32).
Some might say Solomon's great wisdom and understanding were a “gift” and a “responsibility.” It was not for self-gratification or self-aggrandizement. Solomon’s wisdom was for service. Knowing that he would one day become King, Solomon asked GOD (in a dream) for the wisdom to be a good leader and a good teacher to GOD’s people. And because Solomon loved GOD and had a heart for service, GOD answered Solomon’s prayer. 1 Kings 3:12.
And so Solomon began to study. Solomon “applied himself “and searched for understanding about “everything in the universe.” (Ecclesiastes 1:12-15) He was passionate about learning. He put “his heart” into the task. It wasn’t magical. It was hard work. After great effort and study, Solomon wrote what he had learned. Much of what he learned is contained in his proverbs.
The lessons of Proverbs 3:5; Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 23:15 are “lessons of the heart.” Mindful of human nature, and the tendency of students or children to think “they know it all,” “to ignore the instruction of a teacher,” “to not listen” or “to let their passions lead them in the wrong direction,” Solomon basically reminds the children of Israel and all humanity to “guard the heart.” Don’t fall in love with things or the sound of your own voice. According to Solomon, listening and trusting GOD is like drinking water for life. GOD’s WORD is a fountain of knowledge. It is a wellspring. GOD’s WORD is a recipe for a good life.
According to Solomon, when we love GOD (i.e., when we get the heart right), then everything else falls in place. As our ancestors put it: “Give GOD your best (your heart and hands; and be willing to serve) and HE will do the rest.” We just need to have a heart for GOD.
HEART DISEASE IN AMERICA
Heart disease is still the number one cause of death in the United States. Heart disease refers to a number of cardiovascular conditions: coronary artery disease; stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease are some of the most common. All races and all ages can get heart disease.
According to the CDC (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention), about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States. That’s about 1 in every 4 deaths. Coronary heart disease is the most common, killing about 370,000 people annually. According to the CDC, every year about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these about 525,000 will have a heart attack for the first time; 210,000 will have already had one heart attack. See, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm.
Most people will recognize chest pain as a symptom of a heart attack. However, only 27% of survey respondents were aware that all the major symptoms of a heart attack and knew to call 9-1-1 immediately when someone is having a heart attack. The signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats.
According to the CDC, some of the risk factors for heart disease include:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Smoking
Medical conditions and lifestyle choices that put people at higher risk for heart disease include:
- Diabetes
- Overweight and Obesity
- Poor diet
- Physical Inactivity
- Excessive Alcohol Use
Id. Improving one’s diet, increasing exercise, decreasing sedentary activities, like watching TV, are some of the ways often cited for improving one’s heart health. However, you should speak with your personal physician during your annual physical or during a physician appointment regarding what specifically you should do.
Some of the food that is often cited as “Super Heart foods” include:
- Blueberries and Strawberries – “According to one recent study, women aged 25 through 42 who ate more than three servings of blueberries and strawberries a week had a 32% lower risk of heart attack compared with those who ate less. The authors of the study attributed the benefit to compounds known as anthocyanins, flavonoids (which are antioxidants) that may decrease blood pressure and dilate blood vessels. Anthocyanins give plants their red and blue colors.”
- Citrus Fruits – “Women who consume high amounts of the flavonoids found in oranges and grapefruits have a 19% lower risk of ischemic stroke (caused by a clot) than women who don't get as much of these compounds, a recent study found. Citrus fruits are also high in vitamin C, which has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease. Beware of citrus juices that contain added sugar. And, be aware that grapefruit products may interfere with the action of the cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins.”
- Soy Products– (e.g. edamame beans) “Soy products, including tofu and soy milk, are a good way to add protein to your diet without unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Soy products contain high levels of polyunsaturated fats (good for your health), fiber, vitamins, and minerals. What's more, soy may reduce blood pressure in people who eat a diet high in refined carbohydrates. And compared with milk or other proteins, soy protein can actually decrease LDL or "bad" cholesterol.”
- Tomatoes – “Tomato consumption in the U.S. has been rising and that's a good thing. Like potatoes, tomatoes are high in heart-healthy potassium. Plus, they're a good source of the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that may help get rid of "bad" cholesterol, keep blood vessels open, and lower heart attack risk. And because they're low in calories and low in sugar, they don't detract from an already-healthy diet. "They're excellent for the body in a number of ways," says Graf.”
- Nuts – “This includes almonds, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, and macadamia nuts, all of which contain good-for-your-heart fiber. They also contain vitamin E, which helps lower bad cholesterol. And some, like walnuts, are high in omega-3 fatty acids…Look for varieties that don’t have a lot of added salt.”
See, “18 Superfoods For Your Heart,” by Amanda Gardner, https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20720182,00.html.
GUARD YOUR HEART AND OTHER’S TOO
It’s school time! Children, teens, young adults, older adults, and teachers have returned to school. If you have a niece, nephew, son, daughter, relative, or know anyone else starting or returning to school, please pray for them. During the school year, please encourage them. Tell them how proud you are that they have a passion for learning. Send them notes, cards, letters, text messages, and e-mails. Encourage them to study, to listen to their teachers and apply themselves. Sprinkle words of praise during the school year. Encourage students also to study the word of GOD. It’s never too late for anyone of any age group to learn.
If you are around students set a good example and encourage friends and family (including church and temple family members) to set a good example too. Prepare healthy snacks and eat healthy snacks around them. Let them see you read and study. Encourage them to exercise and let them see you exercise too. Eat right together. Exercise together. Study scripture together. Guard their hearts as you would guard your own.
Give GOD your heart, your best and BE BLESSED!
