One of the most profound pieces of wisdom I’ve ever encountered comes from the book of Proverbs written by King Solomon.
“Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
As an early-stage leader who wants to shape the future, have you ever paused to ask, what’s shaping me?
In Scripture, the heart is more than just the seat of emotions; it represents the center of one’s being, where decisions are made, where motives are formed, and where one’s character is shaped. The heart represents the core of your being. It is not just where you feel; it is where you decide, dream, and determine the direction of your life.
That’s why King Solomon advised us to guard it with all diligence. Because your leadership — how you influence, respond, and build — flows from what’s happening inside of you.
It is what enters into the heart of a man that comes out of his life.
Your relationships, habits, leadership style, resilience, and even vision are all shaped by what fills your heart. If pride, insecurity, bitterness, or fear take root, they will inevitably spill into your leadership. But when your heart is grounded in purpose, integrity, humility, and truth, the life you lead becomes stable and fruitful.
This is not just one spiritual talk — it is a real-world leadership strategy.
This verse is telling us that our inner life determines your outer life. If your heart is filled with bitterness, fear, lust, envy, or pride, it will show up in your actions and relationships. Conversely, if your heart is full of love, truth, wisdom, and godliness, your life will reflect it.
So, How Do You Guard Your Heart? Here are simple yet powerful practices:
- Feed on truth regularly – Create time every day to take in dosage of wisdom, or content that aligns with your values and to where you are going to. Most of us are not intentional about the kind of content we consume. There is a consequence for what you are consuming, consciously or unconsciously. From today, ensure you are deliberate about what you are consuming. Be mindful of what you watch, listen to, and engage with.
- Pray and meditate intentionally – This simple practice centers your focus and clears your heart from burdens. Prayer is not just about asking for your needs, it’s about connecting with a higher intelligence. Regularly reflect: What’s going on in my heart? Be honest. Course correct if needed.
- Choose your circle wisely – The people around you either strengthen or weaken your inner resolve. Look at the kind of people around you, the people you walk with, you work with and take advice from. They are ultimately shaping you.
As a leader, your heart is the control center of your life. Whatever rules there, rules you. Guard your heart — not out of fear, but out of wisdom. Because the kind of leader you become tomorrow is being quietly shaped by what you allow into your heart today.
Be On Guard.
I’m rooting for you,
The Great Owete