Proverbs 14:10

Posted by on May 27, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
– Proverbs 14:10

This proverb does not contrast bitterness and joy, but treats them both alike as unknowable to a stranger, or another person. It is a wise observation that a person knows his own deep sorrows and profound joys. These cannot be fully expressed to or known by another. Wisdom would mean being careful to speak into someone’s joy or pain, or assuming you fully understand it. We do have comfort in suffering knowing that God sees and understands (1 John 3:20; Hebrews 2:18; 4:15).

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Proverbs 12:20

Posted by on April 13, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
– Proverbs 12:20

Wisdom here considers the results, or by-products, of intentions for others. The word for imagine means to devise and evil is calamity or all sorts of bad. The gain from devising evil is deceit, or treachery. It refers to the state of mind of the one who devises evil. A counsellor is an adviser. The word for peace means well-being or general wholeness or welfare. So the counsellor is promoting peace and speaking peace to others. They gain joy, or happiness, as a result.

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