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Keeping the Heart: Lessons on Maintaining a Pure Heart in All Seasons of Life
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
The heart of man is his worst part before it is regenerated, and the best part afterward. It is the seat of principles, and the fountain of actions.
The greatest difficulty in conversion is to win the heart to God. The greatest difficulty after conversion is to keep the heart with God. Direction and help in this great work are the scope of the text wherein we Keep thy heart with all diligence.The reason or motive enforcing For out of it are the issues of life.
In the exhortation we'll matter of the duty.The manner of performing it.
For out of it [the heart] are the issues of life. In other words, the heart is the source of all vital operations; it is the origin of both good and evil, just as the spring in a watch that sets all the wheels in motion. The heart is the treasury, the hand and tongue are but the shops. The heart contrives, and the members for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh (Luke 6:45).
About the Author
John Flavel (c.1628-1691) was born into an England wracked by political, social, and religious upheaval. Two civil wars and unstable leadership framed the political landscape. Economic hardships and a resurgence of plague further distressed the nation. The church, too, was in turmoil. Flavel, a pastor of one of the many independent churches persecuted by the government, was forced from his church in Dartmouth. In secret and under stress, he continued preaching, writing, and shepherding his flock. He suffered the death of three of his four wives and at least one child. He continued preaching until his sudden death in 1691.
The heart of man is his worst part before it is regenerated, and the best part afterward. It is the seat of principles, and the fountain of actions.
The greatest difficulty in conversion is to win the heart to God. The greatest difficulty after conversion is to keep the heart with God. Direction and help in this great work are the scope of the text wherein we Keep thy heart with all diligence.The reason or motive enforcing For out of it are the issues of life.
In the exhortation we'll matter of the duty.The manner of performing it.
For out of it [the heart] are the issues of life. In other words, the heart is the source of all vital operations; it is the origin of both good and evil, just as the spring in a watch that sets all the wheels in motion. The heart is the treasury, the hand and tongue are but the shops. The heart contrives, and the members for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh (Luke 6:45).
About the Author
John Flavel (c.1628-1691) was born into an England wracked by political, social, and religious upheaval. Two civil wars and unstable leadership framed the political landscape. Economic hardships and a resurgence of plague further distressed the nation. The church, too, was in turmoil. Flavel, a pastor of one of the many independent churches persecuted by the government, was forced from his church in Dartmouth. In secret and under stress, he continued preaching, writing, and shepherding his flock. He suffered the death of three of his four wives and at least one child. He continued preaching until his sudden death in 1691.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2022
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About the author
John Flavel
333 books89 followers"John Flavel (c.1627–1691) was an English Presbyterian clergyman, puritan, and author.
Flavel, the eldest son of the Rev. Richard Flavel, described as 'a painful and eminent minister,' who was incumbent successively of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Hasler and Willersey, Gloucestershire (from which last living he was ejected in 1662), was born in or about 1627 at Bromsgrove.
Having received his early education at the schools of the neighbourhood, he entered University College, Oxford, at an early age, and gained a good reputation for talent and diligence.
On 27 April 1650, he was sent by 'the standing committee of Devon' to Diptford, a parish on the Avon, five miles from Totnes, where the minister, Mr. Walplate, had become infirm. On 17 October 1650, after examination and the preaching of a 'trial sermon,' he was ordained Mr. Walplate's assistant by the classis at Salisbury. He continued to minister at Diptford for about six years, succeeding the senior minister when he died, and endearing himself greatly to the people, not only by his earnestness, but by his easy dealings with them in the matter of tithes.
In 1656 he removed to Dartmouth, though the Diptford emoluments were much greater. On the passing of the Act of Uniformity (1662) he was ejected, but continued to preach in private until the Five Mile Act drove him from Dartmouth. He kept as near it, however, as possible, removing to Slapton, five miles off, and there preached twice each Sunday to all who came, among whom were many of his old parishioners. On the granting of the indulgence of 1671 he returned to Dartmouth, and continued to officiate there even after the liberty to do so was withdrawn. In the end he found himself obliged to remove to London, travelling by sea and narrowly escaping shipwreck in a storm, which is said to have ceased in answer to his prayers. Finding that he would be safer at Dartmouth he returned there, and met with his people nightly in his own house, until in 1687, on the relaxation of the penal laws, they built a meeting-house for him. Just before his death he acted as moderator at a meeting of dissenting ministers held at Topsham. He died suddenly of paralysis at Exeter on 26 June 1691, and was buried in Dartmouth churchyard. Wood bitterly comments on the violence of his dissent."
-- Wikipedia
Flavel, the eldest son of the Rev. Richard Flavel, described as 'a painful and eminent minister,' who was incumbent successively of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Hasler and Willersey, Gloucestershire (from which last living he was ejected in 1662), was born in or about 1627 at Bromsgrove.
Having received his early education at the schools of the neighbourhood, he entered University College, Oxford, at an early age, and gained a good reputation for talent and diligence.
On 27 April 1650, he was sent by 'the standing committee of Devon' to Diptford, a parish on the Avon, five miles from Totnes, where the minister, Mr. Walplate, had become infirm. On 17 October 1650, after examination and the preaching of a 'trial sermon,' he was ordained Mr. Walplate's assistant by the classis at Salisbury. He continued to minister at Diptford for about six years, succeeding the senior minister when he died, and endearing himself greatly to the people, not only by his earnestness, but by his easy dealings with them in the matter of tithes.
In 1656 he removed to Dartmouth, though the Diptford emoluments were much greater. On the passing of the Act of Uniformity (1662) he was ejected, but continued to preach in private until the Five Mile Act drove him from Dartmouth. He kept as near it, however, as possible, removing to Slapton, five miles off, and there preached twice each Sunday to all who came, among whom were many of his old parishioners. On the granting of the indulgence of 1671 he returned to Dartmouth, and continued to officiate there even after the liberty to do so was withdrawn. In the end he found himself obliged to remove to London, travelling by sea and narrowly escaping shipwreck in a storm, which is said to have ceased in answer to his prayers. Finding that he would be safer at Dartmouth he returned there, and met with his people nightly in his own house, until in 1687, on the relaxation of the penal laws, they built a meeting-house for him. Just before his death he acted as moderator at a meeting of dissenting ministers held at Topsham. He died suddenly of paralysis at Exeter on 26 June 1691, and was buried in Dartmouth churchyard. Wood bitterly comments on the violence of his dissent."
-- Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 21, 2026
All the Christian graces are evident in this book, spoken with truth that is inescapable. It is edifying in the truest sense of the word for all believers in all seasons.
May 4, 2023
Some favorite closing thoughts from Flavel:
"...unless the people of God spend more time and pains about their hearts than they ordinarily do they are never like to do God much service, or to possess much comfort in this world." P108
"Reader, all that I beg for is this, that you would step aside oftener to talk with God and your own heart; that you would not suffer every trifle to divert you; that you would keep a more true and faithful account of your thoughts and affections, that you would seriously demand of your own heart at least every evening, 'Oh my heart, where hast thou been today and what has engaged thy thoughts?'" p111-112
"...unless the people of God spend more time and pains about their hearts than they ordinarily do they are never like to do God much service, or to possess much comfort in this world." P108
"Reader, all that I beg for is this, that you would step aside oftener to talk with God and your own heart; that you would not suffer every trifle to divert you; that you would keep a more true and faithful account of your thoughts and affections, that you would seriously demand of your own heart at least every evening, 'Oh my heart, where hast thou been today and what has engaged thy thoughts?'" p111-112
November 21, 2025
incredible.
March 25, 2023
I would recommend this book for every Christian to read or listen to. I have been listening to small Puritan books on my work commute and this one was a huge blessing as I started my days, pondering "heart work" and the primary purpose of my efforts for the day. Especially poignant was his treatise "on death" and how and specifically why it is no fear for the Christian.
September 26, 2024
Calling all hypocrites, apathetic, and struggling Christians -- read this book!!!
My wife and I love reading the old dead guys. This was the first one we ever read that lived in the 17th century, and he did not dissepoint. For years, my wife has been saying that my problem is that I have a heart issue. All my Christian frailties, my lack of purpose, my unreached goals; my going back to the same sins over and over, then beating myself up, my apathetic attitude towards prayer, and why I can't get out of my own way -- stem from a heart not checked and fully surrendered to God. I thought I was doing really well, till I read this book. This book is not only a heart check, but a gut check. But in the end, as you are on the floor, the Lord is reaching out His hand sayng..."Now we can start."
Even though this is a 17th-century book, the editing is amazing. So very easy to read and no distracting words at all. The book is laid out in a very systematic approach that really engages the reader and pulls you in instantly. You could easily take this book and compile it into an outline for later; or if you wanted to do a church book study it could done easily, which would be perfect in my opinion.
Lookng back, I wish I had read this book years ago. It would have helped me in this time of life when I really needed it, and kept my heart in check and more than likely been further along. In the end, he gives a powerful exhortation that keeps you motivated to stay the course.
This book is perfect for any Christian at any point in their life. It is great for the believer who is struggling in habitual sin and addictions. It is great for those who can't get out of their own way, who are struggling to get into ministry when it seems like everything is against them and can't get going. And it's perfect for those who want a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and feel their prayers hit glass ceilings. Get this book you will not regret it.
Oh, and it's free on Kindle right now. You have no excuses.
My wife and I love reading the old dead guys. This was the first one we ever read that lived in the 17th century, and he did not dissepoint. For years, my wife has been saying that my problem is that I have a heart issue. All my Christian frailties, my lack of purpose, my unreached goals; my going back to the same sins over and over, then beating myself up, my apathetic attitude towards prayer, and why I can't get out of my own way -- stem from a heart not checked and fully surrendered to God. I thought I was doing really well, till I read this book. This book is not only a heart check, but a gut check. But in the end, as you are on the floor, the Lord is reaching out His hand sayng..."Now we can start."
Even though this is a 17th-century book, the editing is amazing. So very easy to read and no distracting words at all. The book is laid out in a very systematic approach that really engages the reader and pulls you in instantly. You could easily take this book and compile it into an outline for later; or if you wanted to do a church book study it could done easily, which would be perfect in my opinion.
Lookng back, I wish I had read this book years ago. It would have helped me in this time of life when I really needed it, and kept my heart in check and more than likely been further along. In the end, he gives a powerful exhortation that keeps you motivated to stay the course.
This book is perfect for any Christian at any point in their life. It is great for the believer who is struggling in habitual sin and addictions. It is great for those who can't get out of their own way, who are struggling to get into ministry when it seems like everything is against them and can't get going. And it's perfect for those who want a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and feel their prayers hit glass ceilings. Get this book you will not regret it.
Oh, and it's free on Kindle right now. You have no excuses.
November 25, 2025
So so good. I could read this again and again and still get more out of it. I read this quickly, but should have read it slowly.
March 1, 2023
Practical, straightforward
I appreciated Flavel's dissection of the human heart, and the various ways in which we are pulled away from God. His exhortations are clear and (mostly) biblical. There're a few things that smell of legalism, but I can swallow a little of that as a balance to our antinomian age.
I appreciated Flavel's dissection of the human heart, and the various ways in which we are pulled away from God. His exhortations are clear and (mostly) biblical. There're a few things that smell of legalism, but I can swallow a little of that as a balance to our antinomian age.
June 2, 2024
Very good encouragement to maintaining your faith in all seasons of life.
September 3, 2025
Refreshing, encouraging, instructive, and not at all difficult to read! You can’t even tell that this was written 400 years ago. I am thankful to God for John Flavel and his pastoral heart.
June 4, 2024
John Flavel was born circa 1627. He entered ministry in 1650. Due to governmental regulations he had to leave his church and began preaching privately. There were many severe trials throughout his life of ministry, prohibitions on preaching, endangerment of his very life. Still, he continued preaching whether publically or privately. It is recorded that he wrote over 100 books, which was a large outreach of his ministry . He outlived four wives and his fifth outlived him. He was faithfully ministering until the close of his life in 1991.
His tenacity is evident through the serious exhortations in this book to "keep your heart. " He urges the Christian to give due priority and diligence to this matter. It is a call to holiness and authenticity. Actually, this book could have been written today. It is that timeless and pertinent to our times.
He exhorts and the arranges key points in order. For instance, the titles of some of the chapters are: Duties in Keeping the Heart, Reasons Why This Should Be the Great Work of Life, Seasons When We Should Keep the Heart, etc.. I believe, due to the arrangement of the material, a beneficial Bible study for the Christian's growth could easily be adapted.
This version is updated with the English of that era changed from the King James type, such as "thee" and "thou", to facilitate the modern-day reader.
The opening scripture sums up this book: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23).
His tenacity is evident through the serious exhortations in this book to "keep your heart. " He urges the Christian to give due priority and diligence to this matter. It is a call to holiness and authenticity. Actually, this book could have been written today. It is that timeless and pertinent to our times.
He exhorts and the arranges key points in order. For instance, the titles of some of the chapters are: Duties in Keeping the Heart, Reasons Why This Should Be the Great Work of Life, Seasons When We Should Keep the Heart, etc.. I believe, due to the arrangement of the material, a beneficial Bible study for the Christian's growth could easily be adapted.
This version is updated with the English of that era changed from the King James type, such as "thee" and "thou", to facilitate the modern-day reader.
The opening scripture sums up this book: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23).
March 27, 2025
an exposition of prov 4:23 "keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life"
the beauty of this book lies in its exploration of the puritan distinctive-- their commitment to introspection and heart work. heart work is what distinguishes nominal, cultural christians from sincere, zealous christians. flavel says, "washing the hands does not make the christian. many hypocrites can show a hand as clean as his. it is the purifying, watching, and right ordering of the heart that makes the christian... it is the most important work of a christian's life. without this we are but formalists in religion: all our professions, gifts, and duties signify nothing."
i don't want the busyness of life and the tyranny of the urgent to keep me focused on simply performing outwardly duties. i instead want to "live slowly enough to think deeply about God" and to do the most important work of life which is heart work. God sees and cares about every motion of our hearts. i want my heart to be pleasing to Him and a sanctuary of communion with Him.
"study your hearts, watch your hearts, keep your hearts!"
the beauty of this book lies in its exploration of the puritan distinctive-- their commitment to introspection and heart work. heart work is what distinguishes nominal, cultural christians from sincere, zealous christians. flavel says, "washing the hands does not make the christian. many hypocrites can show a hand as clean as his. it is the purifying, watching, and right ordering of the heart that makes the christian... it is the most important work of a christian's life. without this we are but formalists in religion: all our professions, gifts, and duties signify nothing."
i don't want the busyness of life and the tyranny of the urgent to keep me focused on simply performing outwardly duties. i instead want to "live slowly enough to think deeply about God" and to do the most important work of life which is heart work. God sees and cares about every motion of our hearts. i want my heart to be pleasing to Him and a sanctuary of communion with Him.
"study your hearts, watch your hearts, keep your hearts!"
April 11, 2023
Outstanding
This is a truly remarkable book that speaks to the soul. Flavel's ability to capture complex theological concepts and present them in a way that is easy to understand is a testament to his gift as a writer.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to maintain a pure heart in all seasons of life. Flavel's insights are both practical and profound, offering a deep understanding of what it means to keep one's heart focused on God.
I was blown away by Flavel's writing style, and I found myself fully immersed in the book from start to finish. It's clear that he has a talent for taking difficult topics and making them accessible to readers of all levels.
Overall, "Keeping the Heart" is an exceptional book that is sure to leave a lasting impact on its readers. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of theology and their relationship with God.
I hope to read more of Flave's works in the near future with how much I enjoyed this.
4.6/5
This is a truly remarkable book that speaks to the soul. Flavel's ability to capture complex theological concepts and present them in a way that is easy to understand is a testament to his gift as a writer.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to maintain a pure heart in all seasons of life. Flavel's insights are both practical and profound, offering a deep understanding of what it means to keep one's heart focused on God.
I was blown away by Flavel's writing style, and I found myself fully immersed in the book from start to finish. It's clear that he has a talent for taking difficult topics and making them accessible to readers of all levels.
Overall, "Keeping the Heart" is an exceptional book that is sure to leave a lasting impact on its readers. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of theology and their relationship with God.
I hope to read more of Flave's works in the near future with how much I enjoyed this.
4.6/5
June 8, 2024
“Reader, I think I will prevail with you. All that I beg for is this: that you would step aside more often to talk with God and your own heart; that you would not allow every trifle to divert you; that you would keep a more true and faithful account of your thoughts and affections; that you would seriously demand of your own heart at least every evening: “O my heart, where have you been today, and what has engaged your thoughts?”
“But now, if Christians would study their hearts more and keep them better, the beauty and glory of communion would be restored. They would dissent no more, contend no more, rebuke rashly no more. They will feel right one toward another, when each is daily humbled under a sense of the evil of his own heart!”
“But now, if Christians would study their hearts more and keep them better, the beauty and glory of communion would be restored. They would dissent no more, contend no more, rebuke rashly no more. They will feel right one toward another, when each is daily humbled under a sense of the evil of his own heart!”
June 10, 2024
As I continue to work through Puritan writings, I see some common themes in their works: high view of God and His word, importance to practical life, and that stirring of emotions and affections. Flavel is no exception.
In this work, Flavel reminds us that the great work of keeping the heart (Pro 4:23) takes intentionality of the believer, yet truly is work of the Spirit. So our completing of this task is to cry out in greater dependency on Him.
In this work, Flavel reminds us that the great work of keeping the heart (Pro 4:23) takes intentionality of the believer, yet truly is work of the Spirit. So our completing of this task is to cry out in greater dependency on Him.
June 12, 2023
All that I beg for is this: that you would step aside more often to talk with God and your own heart; that you would not allow every trifle to divert you; that you would keep a more true and faithful account of your thoughts and affections; that you would seriously demand of your own heart at least every evening: “O my heart, where have you been today, and what has engaged your thoughts?”
September 26, 2024
...and everything will be added to you...
This book is the bottom line of the Christian walk. I would include this with others: Abide in Christ, Andrew Murray, Pursuit of God and Pursuit of Man, AW Tozer. So many books look at surface issues. These get down to the bottom of all issues we will encounter here on earth.
This book is the bottom line of the Christian walk. I would include this with others: Abide in Christ, Andrew Murray, Pursuit of God and Pursuit of Man, AW Tozer. So many books look at surface issues. These get down to the bottom of all issues we will encounter here on earth.
January 23, 2025
A must-read for followers of Christ!
If you find your lacking the spiritual vitality you experienced in the beginning of your walk with the the Savior, this book might provide you great insight into its restoration!
Highly recommended as this was incredibly encouraging and edifying advice.
If you find your lacking the spiritual vitality you experienced in the beginning of your walk with the the Savior, this book might provide you great insight into its restoration!
Highly recommended as this was incredibly encouraging and edifying advice.
July 18, 2025
This book has caused me to do SO MUCH self reflection. It calls us to live our profession out daily, to search our hearts and examine it daily, and to come to God daily. Our hearts are new in Christ, yes, but it’s still a battle to live in light of Jesus’ sacrifice daily. This book tells us as much and practical ways to obey and love God from the heart! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
September 19, 2025
Only reason for four star is how it’s written. The content I encourage all Christians new and old to read this book! Especially in our current culture. Just know, at times it reads like a middle school essay. But the pointing to scripture and keeping our hearts aimed at Christ overshadowed the weaker style of writing
April 25, 2024
Flavel Flavour #1
Beautifully written challenging book which could be great to read with another person together and discuss over a period of time, perhaps in a Christian book club setting.
Well worth reading.
Beautifully written challenging book which could be great to read with another person together and discuss over a period of time, perhaps in a Christian book club setting.
Well worth reading.
July 25, 2025
A short but thorough book to challenge and encourage you
What a helpful treatise on that simple command found in Proverbs 4:23. This book reveals the urgency of a vital Christian duty that is often overlooked and neglected. Keep your heart with all diligence!
What a helpful treatise on that simple command found in Proverbs 4:23. This book reveals the urgency of a vital Christian duty that is often overlooked and neglected. Keep your heart with all diligence!
December 9, 2025
Helpful book about keeping the heart
This book has a lot of practical and deep points about why it is important to keep your heart through a life of faith, repentance and reflection in God’s Word and fellowship with Christ.
This book has a lot of practical and deep points about why it is important to keep your heart through a life of faith, repentance and reflection in God’s Word and fellowship with Christ.
December 31, 2025
A great book on guarding your heart! People rarely write so well as this anymore. It is full of deep thoughts without all of the unnecessary wordiness of today's books. It is so rich, I will likely read it again and again.
December 28, 2022
Second time reading this book. It is full of such wisdom which anchors the soul to truth. Worth reading every other year in alternate with The Mystery of Providence
October 6, 2024
One Of The Best
Most definitely one of the best written books by our Puritans brothers! Fantastic. I've read it twice now and will most likely read it over again many times
Most definitely one of the best written books by our Puritans brothers! Fantastic. I've read it twice now and will most likely read it over again many times
January 8, 2025
Keep, and Guard your heart at all times.
April 14, 2025
A call to keep your heart in every season of life
November 18, 2025
Great to delve deep into 'heart work' & figure out with God the areas I need to work on. A beautiful short but full book. Will be quoting from this for a while I think!
February 4, 2026
Any Christian dealing with repetitive sin should read this book. It will teach you how to break free. It helped me focus upon God to free me from mine
January 7, 2025
Keeping the Heart by John Flavel is a deeply thoughtful and reflective work that encourages readers to examine and evaluate the condition of their hearts. Rooted in a Puritan/Calvinistic tradition, the book is rich in biblical truth and offers timeless reminders about grounding ourselves in faith and maintaining a close relationship with God.
That being said, this is not an easy read. The language reflects the time in which it was written, with older English phrasing and scripture taken primarily from the King James Version. While the messages are powerful and practical, the style can feel challenging, especially if you're going through a season of personal struggle. It requires slow, deliberate reading to truly grasp the depth of its insights.
Overall, Keeping the Heart is a worthwhile read for those who enjoy Puritan writings and are looking for spiritual tools to reflect on their walk with God. While it may not be the most accessible book, the truths within can serve as a firm foundation and valuable reminder of what it means to stay spiritually grounded.
That being said, this is not an easy read. The language reflects the time in which it was written, with older English phrasing and scripture taken primarily from the King James Version. While the messages are powerful and practical, the style can feel challenging, especially if you're going through a season of personal struggle. It requires slow, deliberate reading to truly grasp the depth of its insights.
Overall, Keeping the Heart is a worthwhile read for those who enjoy Puritan writings and are looking for spiritual tools to reflect on their walk with God. While it may not be the most accessible book, the truths within can serve as a firm foundation and valuable reminder of what it means to stay spiritually grounded.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews