What does Proverbs 15:30 mean?
ESV: The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.
NIV: Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
NASB: Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news refreshes the bones.
CSB: Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens the bones.
NLT: A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.
KJV: The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
NKJV: The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy.
Verse Commentary:
The phrase "the light of the eyes" refers to a happy expression. The characteristic look of a person's eyes when they smile fits this description. In fact, in English, a person with a large smile is said to be "beaming." When a person greets others with a big smile, they feel uplifted and joyful. Paul understood how joy strengthens Christian bonds. He urged the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). Two members of the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche, were not getting along with each other. They needed to "agree in the Lord" (Philippians 4:2) and rejoice instead of bearing a grudge.
Just as a warm, welcoming look can make a person feel better, so too does good news. There is only a thin separation between one's emotional health and physical health. Good news encourages those who receive it, and in turn the encouragement promotes physical well-being. Although Christians are not immune from disease, aches, and pains, the lifestyle which naturally comes from following God's will gives a better chance at health than avoidable sickness or injury.. Much of this is due to avoiding the natural penalties of sinful living, including the effects of chemical abuse and risky behavior. The good news of the gospel and the good news of the promises in the Bible lift a believer's spirits and contribute to good physical health.
Verse Context:
Proverbs 15:13–30 continues Solomon's contrasting descriptions of the wise and the foolish. In this book, those ideas are associated with accepting or rejecting God's truth, respectively (Proverbs 1:7). He writes about the gladness of the upright, wise person and the depressing existence of the wicked, foolish person. He contrasts attitudes, thoughts, and actions of both kinds of individuals, and he states that the Lord is far from the wicked but close enough to the righteous to hear their prayers.
Chapter Summary:
Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control and how those reactions produce different responses from others. That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions. Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it. Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant. Solomon also notes the importance of perspective, and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 10 began a long list of Solomon's wise sayings. This passage continues to emphasize common themes such as hard work, humility, godly wisdom, and self-control. This extended collection of proverbs continues through much of chapter 22.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
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