The “heart” is a figurative description of the underlying motivating driving force of a human being, the “real us” so to speak. The “heart” is not a costume, mask, set of bullet points or some other superficial, surface or outwardly manifested thing. The “heart” is the inner core, center of being, foundation and root of a human being.
In Proverbs we read…
Pro 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
It is via the “heart” that one is implored to keep God’s commandments. Consider that Jesus taught the first and greatest commandment was to “love the Lord thy God with ALL THY HEART, and with ALL THY SOUL, and with ALL THEY MIND.”
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
The second was then to “love they neighbour as thyself” and it was upon those two commandments which hung “ALL the law and the prophets.”
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
In other words, the central theme of the law (ie. God’s rules) and the prophets (ie. admonition to forsake evil and follow God’s rules) is the fundamental principle of the “real us,” being our “inner core, center of being, foundation and root,” TRULY being established in the love of God.
The consequence of this, in the context of “cause and effect,” would be…
Pro 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
This is because a life lived in accordance with genuine love produces good fruit. Diligent, productive and responsible living with an eye out for the well being of others. Benefits like optimal health due to responsible self care (ie. healthy diet and exercise). The benefits of good relationships due being patient, honest and caring. The benefits of being a productive member of society due to good work ethic, not injuring others, and always moving forward. The benefits of being a good example to others in that when things go wrong or are difficult one remains positive, hopeful and thus is NEVER defeated by the trials and tribulations of life.
A “long life” is certainly not definitive in the context of every individual (ie. tragedies occur) but it is certainly definitive in context as a general theme. Healthy and responsible living results in better outcomes than unhealthy and irresponsible living. Therefore a life rooted in a foundation of God’s law (genuine love) is profitable.
The Apostle Paul summed it up in these words…
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, 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. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:4-9
With that in mind contemplate on the wise words of Proverbs chapter 3…
Pro 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
Pro 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Pro 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
Pro 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Pro 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Pro 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.