A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones”. What is in your appearance, style, words, behavior & relationship? Peter Christopher Raj of Franklin Templeton comments on Proverbs 15.
The book of Proverbs, mainly written by King Solomon (the wisest man) and some more kings – who were large scale employers, is a very important source of consulting for professionals in corporate world, who sincerely aim improvement in work efficiency, success in career, and thereby effectiveness in positively impacting their work atmosphere. The passage given below mostly contains rearranged and rephrased verses from the captioned chapter and with less interpretation – that are in hints format for your quick reference, rather than an article)
A cool mind will chose “a gentle answer” to “a harsh word”. A “wise tongue commends knowledge” and not folly (v1-2,7). How different our words and life will be, when we realize that “the eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (v3). Then our “tongue brings healing like a tree of life” and not “crushes the spirit” (v4).
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit … the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” What sort of hearts we make at home and work places? (v13,15). What our tongue tells of us: a mocker or a humble and wise man? (v12). Are you known for “hot-temper” or “patience”? Remember, the consequence is unavoidable (v18).
A wise tongue speaks “timely words” and gives ‘an apt reply”. The result of both is joy (v23). “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones”. What is in your appearance, style, words, behavior & relationship? (v30,33). Discipline leads to correction and thereby enables prudence (v5,10,12,14).
The Lord loves the righteous ones and they store up great treasures (V6,8-9). The Lord knows every heart thoroughly (v11). “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil” (v16-17). When we naturally strive to gain success and riches, what is the driving force: fear of the Lord, or ‘zeal for more gains’? “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed”. Do we have enough mentors to give us sincere feedbacks and suggestions? (v22).
“He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise” (v31). “Thorn blocked way” or “a highway” ahead of us, sluggardness decides (v19). “Paths of life” lead to upwardly career growth (v24). “The LORD tears down the proud man's house” (v25-26). “A greedy man brings trouble to his family” (v27).
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers” (v28) “The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous” (v29). Whether the Lord is pleased and honored in our characters & life style?
