Proverbs on Joy

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. (12:25) A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. (15:30) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (17:22) On the subject of anxiety, psychiatrists and psychologist agree with Solomons observation an anxious heart weighs a man down These proverbs provide help for responding to those with a heavy heart a kind word (12:25), a cheerful look and good news (15:30) and a cheerful heart (17:22) These solutions are not directed to those suffering from depression, but to those of us around them who are in a position to encourage In no way is Solomon suggesting we patronize the depressed or flower them with platitudes, but to confront their sadness with a joyful spirit The same one who encourages with cheerfulness will at times speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) by honest confrontation which initially can be painful but therapeutic Better is open rebuke than hidden love; faithful are the wounds of a friend but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy (27:5-6) There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. (12:20) Both David (in the Psalms) and Solomon (in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes) speak of the dichotomy between good and evil, and consistently warn us of focusing on evildoers Fret not yourself because of evildoers nor be envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall be cut down like the grass and wither like the green herb (Psalm 37:1-2) Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out (Proverbs 24:19) The solution instead is to trust in the Lord and do good and to delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you he desires of your heart (Psalm 37:3-4) Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (13:12) A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. (13:19) While advocating the value of consistent labor and deferred gratification (Proverbs 6:6-11), Solomon balances this truth with the joy of righteous desires fulfilled For those in positions of authority (especially the parent), wisdom is needed in maintaining this balance, for hope deferred unreasonably makes the heart sick A longing fulfilled is a tree of life and sweet to the soul consider Davids instruction in the Psalm previously mentioned (37:4), for it is God who brings us fulfillment as we delight in Him: our desires our reshaped by the Holy Spirit who conforms us to the image of Christ as He works in all things for good (Romans 8:28-30) Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (14:34) Solomon broadens his instruction to a national level, remembering his fathers words: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12) Sin is rebellion against God and brings disgrace and destruction to individuals and nations The Bibles answer is repentance, forgiveness and restoration: If My people . . . will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (II Chronicles 7:14)