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Guarding Your Heart
“Do you think you came into this world to spend your whole time and strength in your employments, your trades, your pleasures, unto the satisfaction of the will of the flesh and of the mind? Have you time enough to eat, to drink, to sleep, to talk unprofitably—it may be corruptly—in all sorts of unnecessary societies, but have not enough time to live unto God, in the very essentials of that life? Alas, you came into the world under this law: ‘It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment’ (Heb 9:27), and the end (purpose) why your life is here granted unto you, is that you may be prepared for that judgment. If this be neglected, if the principal part of your time be not improved with respect unto this end, you will yet fall under the sentence of it unto eternity” (John Owen, 1670).
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2012
97 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Arthur W. Pink
657 books305 followersArthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 19, 2018
Highly recommend. Ordered copies to give to friends. Exposition of Proverbs 4:23: "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life."
"It is in the heart that all backsliding begins. Observe closely your affections and see whether God or the world is gaining ground in them. Watch whether you experience increasing profit and pleasure in reading God's Word, or whether you have to force yourself to it in order to discharge a duty. Observe the same thing in connection with prayer: whether you are finding increased or decreased liberty in pouring out your heart to God: whether you are having more freedom in so doing, or whether it is becoming an irksome task. Examine well your spiritual graces, and ascertain whether your faith be in lively exercise, feeding upon the precepts and promises of God; whether your hope is lively, anticipating the glorious future: whether your love be fervent or cold: whether patience, meekness, self-control be greater or less." p. 8
"Christians have both spiritual blessings and temporal mercies, the one abiding, the other movable: since God has eternally secured the former, never let thy heart be troubled at the loss of the latter." p. 22
"The true comfort of our souls much depends upon this, for he that is negligent in the keeping of his heart, is generally a stranger to spiritual assurance and the sweet comforts flowing from it."
p. 35
"It is in the heart that all backsliding begins. Observe closely your affections and see whether God or the world is gaining ground in them. Watch whether you experience increasing profit and pleasure in reading God's Word, or whether you have to force yourself to it in order to discharge a duty. Observe the same thing in connection with prayer: whether you are finding increased or decreased liberty in pouring out your heart to God: whether you are having more freedom in so doing, or whether it is becoming an irksome task. Examine well your spiritual graces, and ascertain whether your faith be in lively exercise, feeding upon the precepts and promises of God; whether your hope is lively, anticipating the glorious future: whether your love be fervent or cold: whether patience, meekness, self-control be greater or less." p. 8
"Christians have both spiritual blessings and temporal mercies, the one abiding, the other movable: since God has eternally secured the former, never let thy heart be troubled at the loss of the latter." p. 22
"The true comfort of our souls much depends upon this, for he that is negligent in the keeping of his heart, is generally a stranger to spiritual assurance and the sweet comforts flowing from it."
p. 35
October 20, 2018
Wonderful read. Loved this quote, it's my heart's prayer.
"Oh Lord, thou requirest me to keep my heart with all diligence, and I feel utterly incompetent for such a task: such a work lies altogether beyond my poor feeble powers; therefore, I humbly ask Thee in the name of Christ to graciously grant unto me supernatural strength to do as Thou hast bidden me. Lord, work in me both to will and to do of Thy good pleasure.”
"Oh Lord, thou requirest me to keep my heart with all diligence, and I feel utterly incompetent for such a task: such a work lies altogether beyond my poor feeble powers; therefore, I humbly ask Thee in the name of Christ to graciously grant unto me supernatural strength to do as Thou hast bidden me. Lord, work in me both to will and to do of Thy good pleasure.”
November 26, 2020
Excellent. You can tell that Pink is not trying to pass on his opinion or earthly wisdom but is rightly dividing scripture. He gives great advice on how to live more closely in obedience. Something I needed to read. Highly recommended!
March 23, 2021
This quote reminded me of our great conversation in our Parenting/marriage class at church yesterday. So kind of The Lord to layer his teachings, because our discussion also paralleled our sermon from the morning in Genesis.
“But, my reader, the only way to serve God better is to be content with the place in which He has put you, and therein get a better heart! We shall never enter into the advantages of any situation, nor overcome the disadvantages of any condition, until we fix and water the root of them in ourselves. Out of the heart are the “issues of life,” and not from our surroundings.”
— Guarding Your Heart by Arthur W. Pink
https://a.co/jkUmFeY
“But, my reader, the only way to serve God better is to be content with the place in which He has put you, and therein get a better heart! We shall never enter into the advantages of any situation, nor overcome the disadvantages of any condition, until we fix and water the root of them in ourselves. Out of the heart are the “issues of life,” and not from our surroundings.”
— Guarding Your Heart by Arthur W. Pink
https://a.co/jkUmFeY
June 18, 2017
Great Truth
Much needed discipline for all true believers. Bring glory to God with your heart that is guarded at all times. As a deputy sheriff on TV used to say; "nip it in the bud." In regards to temptation.
Much needed discipline for all true believers. Bring glory to God with your heart that is guarded at all times. As a deputy sheriff on TV used to say; "nip it in the bud." In regards to temptation.
February 5, 2019
Read this Christian
Arthur Pick loves the Lord Jesus Christ and it shines in this short book. If you’re struggling or not, this book expounds on the life of the true Christian mind. If you would be a true follower of the blessed Savior, this may open your heart.
Arthur Pick loves the Lord Jesus Christ and it shines in this short book. If you’re struggling or not, this book expounds on the life of the true Christian mind. If you would be a true follower of the blessed Savior, this may open your heart.
August 13, 2023
Worthy of meditation
Great, scripture based discussion that will assist many seeking Christians to prevail in their earthly walk
Well worth the time to read, meditate on - and look up the scriptures not quoted for maximum benefit
Great, scripture based discussion that will assist many seeking Christians to prevail in their earthly walk
Well worth the time to read, meditate on - and look up the scriptures not quoted for maximum benefit
November 11, 2019
A short and pointed treatise on Proverbs 4:23. The duty of guarding (or keeping) our hearts is our duty, and the enabling comes from God’s Spirit.
November 27, 2023
The Bible tells us to guard our hearts above all things. This excellent t little book by A. W. Pink unpacks that for us.
March 11, 2025
Simply must read. Guarding your heart on daily basis.
July 30, 2022
This book was a great reminder regarding how we should guard our heart. Guarding our heart requires us to make decisions that will prevent corruption from entering into our heart. We have to make intentional decisions to say no to certain activities and say yes to others. This was a great reminder of how we should behave and I highly recommend all Christians read this book.
February 26, 2014
"It is in the heart that all backsliding begins. Observe closely your affections and see whether God or the world is gaining ground in them".
Most every question about knowing God in a more intimate fashion will be answered in this thin book. If you struggle with your sanctification this may well put an end to the failed past. Application of the wisdom herein should be a enough for significant change in every ones life. These are things God has spoke of many times through-out scripture but many, myself included, have not had eyes to see, nor ears to hear. I feel blessed to have come upon this book and can hopefully get this into the hands of many in my church. Read without hesitation.
Most every question about knowing God in a more intimate fashion will be answered in this thin book. If you struggle with your sanctification this may well put an end to the failed past. Application of the wisdom herein should be a enough for significant change in every ones life. These are things God has spoke of many times through-out scripture but many, myself included, have not had eyes to see, nor ears to hear. I feel blessed to have come upon this book and can hopefully get this into the hands of many in my church. Read without hesitation.
April 19, 2015
My heart has been affected
if you are serious about loving God and living for Him, then this book will do you good. Sound, practical, scriptural advice and encouragement about keeping your heart right and close to God. Dr. Pink certainly covers all the bases, but does so in a winsome manner. I especially liked the section on keeping your heart calm in trouble. I highly recommend this book.
if you are serious about loving God and living for Him, then this book will do you good. Sound, practical, scriptural advice and encouragement about keeping your heart right and close to God. Dr. Pink certainly covers all the bases, but does so in a winsome manner. I especially liked the section on keeping your heart calm in trouble. I highly recommend this book.
July 10, 2015
A good treatment of a much needed topic.
I'm not a big fan of A. W. Pink, but found this book both enjoyable and worthwhile. His discussion on guarding the heart shows both the need and the how to. If pastors preached sermons like this the spiritual character of the church would greatly increase.
I'm not a big fan of A. W. Pink, but found this book both enjoyable and worthwhile. His discussion on guarding the heart shows both the need and the how to. If pastors preached sermons like this the spiritual character of the church would greatly increase.
July 29, 2013
An amazing read.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence" (Pro 4:23). Guard it jealously as the dwelling place of Him to whom you have given it. Guard it with the utmost vigilance, for not only is there the enemy without seeking entrance, but there is a traitor within desirous of dominion.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence" (Pro 4:23). Guard it jealously as the dwelling place of Him to whom you have given it. Guard it with the utmost vigilance, for not only is there the enemy without seeking entrance, but there is a traitor within desirous of dominion.
November 8, 2020
Honest endeavor
Honest endeavor
The booklet allows for an deeper evaluation of our thoughts and our faith. It allows for substance. This is the reason for a FIVE star rating.
Honest endeavor
The booklet allows for an deeper evaluation of our thoughts and our faith. It allows for substance. This is the reason for a FIVE star rating.
August 3, 2015
This book gives new meaning to the scripture, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
I would recommend this book to anyone desiring a closer walk with God. I felt my heart stirring throughout reading this book. Very moving!
I would recommend this book to anyone desiring a closer walk with God. I felt my heart stirring throughout reading this book. Very moving!
November 9, 2015
For any one serious about his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ
I chose this rating because of the truth of learning God's word in reality not in superficial thoughts, words and actions
I chose this rating because of the truth of learning God's word in reality not in superficial thoughts, words and actions
April 19, 2016
A wonderful reminder of the importance of being careful of what you allow into your passions. What is in the heart will reveal itself. This classic should be read by all who are serious about their sactification.
September 7, 2016
Fraught with incorrect doctrine.
April 26, 2015
A must read for every Christian.
January 7, 2017
Absolutamente necesario. Para releer mil veces.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews