14 & 15

Proverbs 14

This proverb says a lot about the heart to me:

10. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy

12. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death

13. Even in laughter the heart may ache and joy may end in grief

30. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones

33. Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

The heart - and no one really knows but you and God. No one knows my heart but me. I can be laughing and still broken inside. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but if we don't live in peace but instead by envy, greed, and pride it will rot the bones. Obviously a heart is pretty important, giving life to the body. Wisdom tries to let herself be known and call out to us at all times, but it is only in the hearts of those who are searching where she rests. Kind of awesome - a heart of peace gives life to the body and wisdom rests in the hearts of those who find her.

Proverbs 15

God is so in tune with us that he knows "a cheerful look brings joy to the heart..." It's so cool. I don't understand the faiths that believe in a God that's not involved in our lives or that just created the universe and let it run. God understands the depths of our souls and longings. He knows that discipline and wisdom will lead us down a path of righteousness, not only because God is great and deserves our best, but because he completely understands our hearts.

23. The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.

And how much we desperately need the love of God and community.

16. Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil

17. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened calf with hatred.