24.301 | A GLAD HEART | Proverbs 15:13-15 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Proverbs 15:13-15 (ESV)

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,

but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,

but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil,

but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.

A GLAD HEART

Joy is reflected in one’s face. But, people can "put on a happy face", pretend that all is well, and disguise their feelings. But, this sorrow can’t be hidden for too long. It will crush his spirit. Generally, however, our emotions are displayed in our physical bodies. This joyful heart is a by-product of living by faith that enables a person to live above his circumstances. Paul testifies, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” [Phil 4;13] His response to difficult circumstances is shown in his letter to the Philippian church. He could have succumbed to despair but he radiated joy. He was ‘joyful’ despite being shackled to guards while under house arrest in Rome. Moreover, he faced the possibility of being executed. But, he writes, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy" (Phil 1:3–4). His thankfulness and memory of past blessings contribute to his glad heart.

Solomon writes about a man’s right pursuit of knowledge, that is, knowing God. The righteous is in the active pursuit for God's truth (Prov 1:7; Mat 6:7–8). Those who sincerely desire godliness pursue such knowledge (Prov 8:17). This is because man is made in the image of God as His rational and spiritual creatures. (Gen 1:27) In contrast, those who reject God don’t seek God but act more like animals (2 Pet 2:12). This proverb employs a picture of livestock as the fool "grazes" on their own foolishness. This hints at their mindless and unthinking nature of embracing falsehood (2 Tim 4:3). An unbeliever does not know God so that he is "chewing on" empty pleasure, false notions, pointless pursuits, and materialistic gain.” Everyone who thinks earthly things can satisfy the soul is a fool. Jesus told the parable of the farmer to illustrate this truth.[Luke 12:19,20]

Moreover, the cheerful heart has a continual feast. He perceives his circumstances differently. In times of difficulties, he is not despairing to pessimism but confidently trust that God is in control. The afflicted without this trust perceives his days as all ‘evil’. The word translated "evil" means something unpleasant or disastrous. Those who are perpetually "afflicted" are constantly miserable under the weight of their own negativity. They make the worst of every situation. They create moutains out of mole hills. Negative people constantly complain and never see a bright side in any circumstances. They are gloomy, negative, and seem bent on making life miserable for others. The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

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