As A Man Thinketh…

Proverbs 23:7

What we allow our minds to dwell upon becomes the guideline for our actions and words. Much has been written in modern times regarding the need to think about and work toward what we want to do with our lives. We are told to reach for a goal in the business or professional world or whatever is appealing to us, and imagine ourselves in that position. These are positive aids in achieving success but not really a new idea. When Solomon, the wise man of the Old Testament wrote: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he,” was this not an expression of what has been written in more recent times?

Solomon is believed to be the author of most of the book of Proverbs. It seems to have been written to give his people (some seem to be directed to his son) instruction regarding the best way to live and promote, knowledge, understanding, etc. in their lives. According to his writings, the starting point in the search for wisdom is the fear (reverence) of God. Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs are good reading for anyone in any position, status or age. Solomon knew when he said, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he,” that the thoughts prevailing in the mind of the person have an influence on his/her actions, whether it be for good or bad.

Jesus verified this in His answer to those who found fault with His disciples for eating with unwashed hands when He said: “Do you not understand that whatever goes in at the mouth goes into the belly and is cast out in the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, blasphemies, fornications, thefts, false witness,… These are the things that defile a man… Matthew 15:17-20.

Mark records the words of Jesus on this occasion only slightly different from the previous account: “An He said, that which cometh out of man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of man proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness; all of these evil things come from within and defile the man.” Mark 7:20-23

These statements of Jesus indicate that if the mind is filled with evil thoughts, the results will be evil deeds. Therefore, the Christian should purge his/her mind of evil thoughts and follow the instructions of Paul to the Philippian Christians: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest (honorable), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things,” Philippians 4:8

Paul means the Christian should practice thought control which, when put into action, shapes his/her attitude and governs his actions. It was Jesus who said: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Keeping the heart pure is a goal the Christian should continually strive to achieve. It is impossible to fill the heart with evil thoughts, worldly concerns, etc. and think of the things Paul advised Christians to think upon. This thought process is not a matter in which the Christian can achieve success one day and forget about it the next; it is a continuing process. In a world where evil thoughts are expressed and evil deeds are seen as the “in” thing, it requires concentration. Jesus because He was human, understands our infirmities and temptations. When the Christian tries to keep thoughts and deeds pure, praying through one who understands gives comfort, power, and encouragement to keep on trying.  Sometimes in the workplace, there are those who tell ugly stories to the enjoyment of some, but to which the Christian must turn a deaf ear. Sometimes the Christian who wants to keep his heart pure must turn off some of the evil often seen on television programs.

Another part of keeping our thoughts and lives pleasing to God is in the way in which we regard ourselves. Paul chided Christians at Rome not to think of themselves more highly than they ought to think. (Romans 12:3).

Jesus used a parable to teach His disciples regarding this matter. He told that the Pharisee and the publican were praying in the temple; the Pharisee boasted to God of his goodness and thanked God that he was not like some men who were extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as the publican praying nearby, who stood with bowed head and smote his chest and said “God be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:14). Jesus pointed out that “this man (the publican) went to his house justified rather than the other (the Pharisee): “…for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:14.

Jesus also taught His disciples against exalting self when he said: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12). Additionally, numerous scriptures speak against exalting self and for nurturing humility including: “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility to serve one another, for God resisteth the proud and give grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God that he may exalt you in due time.” (I Peter 5:5-6), and “God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God.” (James 4:6-7) and there are others. The emphasis seems to be on the need of the Christian to be humble and to be an instrument for service to others.

While the Christian must be careful not to seek out positions of honor and prestige or awards as a reward for his good deeds, he must not lose his feelings of self-worth or self-esteem or self-love, as he is a child of God, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27, Acts 17:24-26). That he should have self-love is apparent from the teaching of the scriptures, one of which is “Love your neighbor as yourself”. This indicates a necessary self-esteem or self-love for a good life, but does not include an exaggerated attitude of pride, love of prestige, or the need for exaltation. Jesus taught His disciples that they were so much more important than some of His creation, all of which are under His care (Matthew 6:25-32).

This feeling of self-worth, self-love or self-esteem, so essential to a good life, must be kept under control else it seeks self-exaltation. The child who is loved and made to feel he is special (“a heritage from the Lord” Psalm 127:3) and is treated with encouragement and patience as he grows will normally have a feeling of self-worth, self-esteem, and self-love. Sadly, there are some who are not so fortunate and who enter school with a feeling of failure and a sense of being “no good”. Some of these children are fortunate to have teachers or someone else with patience and understanding who help them to change their thinking of themselves and to know the thrill of achievement. Blessed are they indeed! It is tragic that some never have this to develop a normal sense of self-worth, self-esteem, or self-love and go through life emotionally crippled.

Christians should be watchful for people, either children or grown-ups, who may need encouragement or a friendly touch to help them change their thinking of themselves. Feeling better about themselves will enable to do a better job at whatever they have to do. There are and have been in the past people who have such low self-esteem that they do not think they can possibly be a follower of Jesus. This presents and opportunity for Christians. We must remember that Jesus went about reaching out to the poor, the sinners, and those of low self-esteem. He sought to change their thinking and their lives. We must do the same.

While Christians must help others to change their thinking and their lives, they must at the same time be guarding against being puffed up with pride, self-exalted, or self-righteous (acting “holier-than-thou”). At the same time, Christians must maintain their self-worth as a child of God. The prerequisite of these actions, however, is keeping the heart pure.

As an aid to putting these things into daily practice in their lives, Christians should pray as David did after his grievous sins of adultery and murder when he said: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). It is not a “once-a-week observation”, but a part of living close to Jesus daily through His word. As Jesus taught His disciples: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8), and “A good man out of the good treasures of his heart bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasures of his heart bringeth forth evil things.” (Matthew 12:35).

This serves to confirm what the wise Solomon said so long ago: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

 

This is the first in a series of lessons written by my Aunt Elizabeth for her Bible study classes. Copied from her book, Bible Lessons in Christian Love.