Out of this verse comes a rather familiar phrase, “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (a slight adjustment from the KJV translation of this verse). It is part of a story about someone choosing to sit with an influential person who offers many things, but also expect many things (:1-8). There’s no such thing as a “free lunch” from this guy.
So this verse says to anyone considering a sit down with such a person – don’t focus on the stuff they offer and don’t be deceived by their words. The bottom line about him is not what you see or hear, but what he’s thinking! Be smart enough to not get caught up in the moment with a bunch of stuff or lots of promises.
But the verse can also apply to our own thoughts. The key to how I live is not what I do or how I feel – but how I think. And key to that are the everyday decisions to exercise my mind with positive helpful thoughts (like memorizing Bible verses or spiritual songs). They will affect how I think, which will guide how I feel, which will impact how I act.
Doing right things by feeling the right way – feeling the right way by thinking right thoughts. It’s not rocket science and I can do it — one day at a time!