Guard the gates of your soul.
Be watchful, for the moment of temptation comes quickly and without warning.
You must be persistent at watching for all the points where you may fall into temptation.
John Bunyan refers to these entry points as five gates to the city of Mansoul. "Ear-gate, Eye-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate, and Feel-gate. - Brian Hedges “Watchfulness pg. 73-74”.
I would include the Feet-gate because scripture says the feet of the unrighteous are swift to do evil. (Proverbs 1:16)
We are blessed when we do not follow the world and their ways.
When we follow the Lord and His counsel we guard our hearts.
Proverbs 4:20-27 describes each of these gates in detail and how to avoid pitfalls that will pierce your heart and life with many sorrows. This section of scripture is a clear guide on what to do and what not to do in your walk. When you listen to the word it will help you walk closer with your redeemer. In turn you will do the will of the father and gain strength in the Lord.
I will capitalize each gate(EARS, EYE/SIGHT, MOUTH/LIPS, FEET/STEPS and HEART) to make it more clear.
"My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn;
Open your EARS to my sayings." v.20
"Do not let them escape from your SIGHT;
Keep them in the center of your HEART." v. 21
"For they are life to those who find them,
And healing and health to all their flesh." v.22
"WATCH over your HEART with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life." v.23
"Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) MOUTH,
And put devious LIPS far from you." v.24
"Let your EYES look directly ahead [toward the path of moral courage]. And let your GAZE be fixed straight in front of you [toward the path of integrity]." v.25
"Consider well and WATCH carefully the path of your FEET,
And all your ways will be steadfast and sure." v.26
"Do not turn away to the right nor to the left [where evil may lurk];
Turn your FOOT from [the path of] evil." v.27
Remember!
Bad counsel will lead us to paths of unrighteousness. This will lead us headlong to destruction and away from the peaceful paths the Lord wants us to be on.
”Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).” - Psalm 1:1 AB
Pray for the Lord to lead you away from temptation and believe He will; this gives God glory. Do not be afraid in the day of testing for the Lord tests His elect to see if they will be loyal. Be strong and have courage in the Lord. Cry out to Him for He will never leave you or forsake you. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can stand. Trust the Holy Spirits guidance and stay in the word(Bible) for it is the bread that gives you strength. Meditate often on our blessed savior and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross for your redemption. He is our joy and the wine of gladness. Remember, You give Him honor when you have faith in His promises. But how are you to have strength in His promises if you dont know them and claim them. So learn them and draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. God bless.
