On Guarding the Heart

We must vigilantly guard our heart from unseemly thoughts and impressions, according to the word of the Preacher27: “Above all else, guard your heart, for out of it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23).

From vigilant guarding of the heart, purity is born within it, in which the Lord is seen, according to the assurance of the Eternal Truth: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8).

Whatever is best within the heart, we must not reveal unnecessarily, for only then can what has been gathered remain safe from visible and invisible enemies, when it is kept as a treasure in the depths of the heart. Do not reveal the secrets of your heart to everyone.

The heart only burns, kindled by the Divine fire, when there is living water in it; but when this living water pours out, it grows cold, and the person freezes.