“Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his soul will be far from them” (Proverbs 22:5).
Personal responsibility is essential to wise and righteous living. There are many things only you can do for you. If you don’t giturdun, it doesn’t get done.
Like a shepherd protecting his sheep, like a guard protecting a treasure, like a jailer in charge of a notorious prisoner, you need to guard your soul. Be on guard against the evil one (w Thes. 3:3). Guard your heart against covetousness (Luke 12:15).
Without constant vigilance, you can fall from your own steadfastness and be led away with the error of the wicked (2 Pet. 3:17). Therefore, guard your soul from the snares and thorns of the perverse. Your hope and ultimate realization of eternal life must be guarded by you.
The spiritual vigilance of guarding your soul is your personal responsibility.
I was reminded of the children’s song “Oh Be Careful Little Eyes…” because being careful of what we say, do, think, or go is part of guarding our souls. We don’t say things for the sake of talking. We don’t do thinks for the sake of just doing. We don’t think things or go to certain places because it is all about protecting our souls and being/becoming holy.