Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
We are midway through Proverbs on our look at 'heart/ hearts' as translated by the NIV 84, and, as there are several reverences in chapters 14 and 15, that's our portion for this week's study. And, as expected, these verses don't possess any kind of continuity, so it is a challenge to dig into this...but perhaps it's not meant to be too deep.
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. - Prov. 14: 10; 'Heart' is our old friend Strong's H3820, leb- inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding.
This is an interesting proverb, one that I really hadn't paid much mind to before. But...yeah, The emotions of the heart are...in the heart. We can try to express it; we can try to understand someone else's emotions, but ultimately, it's only fully expressed in the heart.
Another cheerful proverb...(koff koff)
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief. - Prov. 14:13; 'Heart' is H3820 again.
A fickle thing is our heart; to go from one extreme to the next in an instant...or even experience two conflicting emotions at the same time. Especially in times of grief.... such as happiness for a current situation while still missing the person who, for whatever reason, is not present.
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. -- Prov. 14: 30; 'Heart' is, again, H 3820.
It is interesting that the state of the emotions (heart) is stated as having an effect on the physical body, even as long ago as Solomon's kingdom.
Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known. -- Prov. 14:33; ....H3820 again.
There is some discrepancy about the translation of the second statement; some read as the NIV...that wisdom is even found among fools; but some translations indicate that what is in the fool will make itself known. I think both things are true. Wisdom is always available to anyone who decides to pursue it...even someone who has been in pursuit of folly. And for the person who continually chooses folly...the contents of his/ her spirit will be manifested. Either way. But...for someone who develops that spirit of discernment...wisdom is easily accessible.
On to chapter 15.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. -- Prov. 15:7; you guessed it - H3820.
A fool's heart does NOT spread wisdom. There is none there to share.
Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD -- how much more the hearts of men! -- Prov. 15:11; 'hearts' here is Strong's 3826, liba -- heart. (feminine noun).
In the Hebrew, 'Death and Destruction' are literally places...Sheol (H7585) - hell, grave, the pit; and Abbadon (H11), the place of destruction, ruin. If God can see into these places, which are not of this world...how much more easily can he see into the hearts of people, which are right here? And that whole 'God knows my heart' thing...Yes. He does. Absolutely and without deceit. He KNOWS.
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.-- Prov. 15:13-15; all three references are H3820.
Spirit crushing heartache is contrasted with the cheerful face because...it shows. Even if we try not to let it show...it slips out. Which also means we need to be aware of the countenance of those around us who might need a bit of encouragement. A fool feeding on folly is contrasted with a wise person seeking knowledge...the heart desires to increase what's there. And a cheerful heart can even overcome oppression....which reminds me of Corrie Ten Boom's sister Betsy, who found something to rejoice about in every situation...even the flea infestation in their barracks, because the German guards would not come in, due to the fleas, and the ladies could have their precious Bible study times undetected.
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. -- Prov. 15:28; H 3820 again.
Oooo....how quick am I to spout off the first thing that pops into mind? That has gotten me into hot water more times than I can count...I am learning, far too slowly, to weigh my answers.
And the last verse for today...
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. -- Prov. 15:30; H3820 again.
A true observation if ever there was one.
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