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I. THE RELATION. "My son." He speaks here, and not to a stranger — to a son (Ephesians 2:19). A son, not a slave. A son; thou wert not always so (Ephesians 2:1-4, 13; 1 John 3:2). A son; therefore, in a way of gratitude and mutual affection, give thy heart to thy Father.

II. THE MANNER OF YIELDING UP THE HEART TO GOD. It is here expressed by a way of giving.

1. Give it cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

2. Presently (2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 4:7).

3. Give it; do not lend it only. Many lend their hearts under a sermon, like those in Ezekiel 33:32. God is pleased to call that a gift which indeed is a debt (Romans 8:12; Romans 12:1).

III. TO WHOM THE HEART MUST BE GIVEN.

1. Not to the creature (Matthew 10:37).

2. Not to the world (2 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:15).

3. Not to Satan (Ephesians 2:2).

4. Not to sin (chap. Proverbs 1:10).

5. Give it to Him who gave Himself for thee (Galatians 2:20).

IV. THE GIFT ITSELF. "The heart."

1. Not the outward man only, not the body only: God dwells not so much in these temples as in broken and contrite spirits. He doth not here ask for the shell, but the kernel; not for the casket, but for the jewel.

2. Not in appearance, but in reality.

3. Not a part, but the whole. God is like the true mother (1 Kings 3:26).

4. Give thine heart, i.e., all the powers and faculties of thy soul.To conclude:

1. Because it is His due. He is the maker, the purchaser (1 Corinthians 6:20); the spouse (Hosea 2:19).

2. It is pleasing and acceptable to Him. He asks it; it is all thou canst give Him. It is a comprehensive gift. He that gives the heart will give all things (Romans 8:32).

3. All performances without the heart will be rejected (Amos 5:21, 22).

4. Give thine heart to God: if it be a hard heart, He will make it new (Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 36:26).

(T. Hannam.)

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KJV: My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

WEB: My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.