Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
I have a ton of work that's all, like, urgent, so I ended up working yesterday (a normal off day) and today to try and get some work cranked out...which means I'm a bit late with this week's installment. And we're going to be pushing through today but we will catch the last verses in Proverbs that mention 'heart/ hearts'...or at least, the ones translated that way in the 1984 edition of the New International Version.
We're starting in chapter 25 today, which begins with a note that the next batch of proverbs (through chapter 29, if I'm interpreting things correctly) were penned by Solomon, and copied by the order of King Hezekiah. I'm kind of guessing the original manuscripts were deteriorating, so Hezekiah had them copied to preserve the writings...but that's just a guess.
As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. -- Prov. 25:3; 'hearts' is Strong's H 3820, Leb - inner man, mind, will, heart understanding. If you've been following this study, you know that's the most commonly used Hebrew word translated 'Heart'.
I am wondering what makes the heart of a king more unsearchable than the heart of any other person. Maybe because their decisions affect so many people? And the masses don't understand WHY someone would make those choices? That's the best reasoning I can come up with for that statement...which could apply to anyone in a position of power, not just kings.
Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. -- Prov. 25:20; 'heart' is H3820 again.
As anyone who's ever tried to cheer up a determinedly morose teenager knows...it's not well received. But beyond teen angst is a heart that's genuinely grieving, and even well intended attempts to help can seem insensitive.
Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart, he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Prov. 25:23-25; 'heart' is H3820 in verses 23 and 25, but verse 24 is Strong's H7130, Qereb --midst, among, inner part, middle
Truly evil people have the ability to mask their agenda with a carefully calculated persona that seems to be friends, chums. allies...and then, when it benefits them, betrayal. Which can often be disguised further with a disclaimer of a misunderstanding. An honest heart will not anticipate such actions and may get caught in multiple traps before realizing the truth: that's a player at work. And, what struck me there was that, even if there is forgiveness...'do not trust him'. Trusting someone who has broken trust is not a condition or characteristic of forgiveness. A deceitful heart is not trustworthy.
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. -- Prov. 27:9; 'heart' is H 3820.
I chuckled when I read that, because I have a sensitivity to most fragrances, and, generally speaking, perfume and incense bring me a raging headache, lol. But I get the analogy. The earnest counsel of a true friend (contrasted with the fake friend above) is a comfort and a joy. Definitely not a headache.
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt. -- Prov. 27:11; 'Heart' is H3820 again.
We have had the thought before that seeing one's children act wisely is a true source of joy to parents; but this goes just a step further...knowing that one's offspring are doing well and wisely goes a long way to handling someone's dismissive or even scornful treatment. There really is nothing comparable to watching the kiddos do well...or the pain of watching them suffer because of poor decisions. Both are very nearly physical sensations.
(It was really late Saturday when I was at that point and I hit a wall...it was crazy to stop with only two verses to go but I was done in. Anyway, starting late and finishing later...)
As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. -- Prov. 27:19; 'Heart' is H3820...again.
This is an interesting verse because the reflection in water is easily seen, but the reflection in the heart is not so easily seen....but what is in the heart certainly is the core of an individual.
And...the last verse to reference 'heart' in Proverbs is 28:14 -
Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. 'Heart' is, once more, H3820
We have seen a number of verses referencing hardening ones' heart and I don't think I've said this before...I have come to the conclusion that 'hardening ones' heart' is basically a refusal to see/ hear the truth. Pharoah refused to hear Moses' request to let the people go, for example. A hardened heart is not teachable. Being teachable is one of the primary characteristics of personal growth, so one who is not teachable...is going to be rather stunted. And it could be in just one or two areas...those stubborn places that we just don't want to yield to God. The structure of the verse implies that the opposite of a hardened heart is the proper fear of the Lord. Not being afraid...but awe and respect. The fear of the Lord will protect from a hardened...unwilling, unhearing, unseeing...heart.
A good thought to ponder
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