Proverbs 15:13 - Homiletics

A joyous heart or a broken spirit

These are the two extremes. The less we have of the one the more we tend towards the other. The first is encouraged that it may save us from the disasters of the second condition.

I. THE CONDITION OF THE HEART IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE . "Out of it are the issues of life" ( Proverbs 4:23 ). The first essential for one whose life has been wrong is the creation of "a clean heart" ( Psalms 51:10 ). According as we think and feel in our hearts, so do we truly live. Now, it is the merit of Christianity that it works directly on the heart, and only touches the outer life through this primary inward operation. We must set little store on the external signs of prosperity if the heart is wrong. When that is right the rest is likely to follow satisfactorily.

II. THE JOY OR SORROW OF THE HEART ARE NOT MATTERS OF INDIFFERENCE . The religion of the Bible is not Stoicism. It is nowhere represented to us in this book that it matters not whether men grieve or are joyous. On the contrary, the Bible contains valuable recipes against heart pangs. God's pity for his children would lead to his concerning himself with such matters. Christ's human sympathy, which led to his being frequently "moved with compassion," made him alleviate suffering and seek to give his joy to his disciples. The special mission of sorrow and the large healing and strengthening influence of the highest kind of joy make these experiences to be of real interest to the spiritual life.

III. THE OUTER LIFE IS BRIGHTENED BY JOY OF HEART . It is possible for the actor to assume a smiling countenance when his heart is bursting with agony, but that is just because he is an actor. It is not intended by Providence that the face should be a mask to bide the soul. In the long run the set expression of the countenance must correspond to the prevalent condition of the spirit within. The sad heart will be revealed by a clouded countenance, the heart of care by the fretted lines of a worn lace, the peaceful heart by a serene expression, and the glad heart by unconscious smiles. Thus we shed gloom or sunshine by our very presence. "The joy of the Lord is your strength" ( Nehemiah 8:10 ). With the brightened countenance there comes revived energy. Moreover, the cheerful expression of a Christian is a winning invitation to others. It makes the gospel attractive.

IV. THE SPIRIT IS BROKEN BY SORROW OF HEART . It must be confessed that we have here only a partial view of sorrow. The richer revelation which the New Testament makes of the Divine gospel of sorrow gives it a new meaning and a higher blessedness. Since Christ suffered, suffering has been sanctified, and the Via Dolorosa has become the road to victory. Nevertheless, mere sorrow is still trying, wearing, grinding to the soul. To bear the cross for Christ's sake is to render noble service, but simply to groan under the load of pain is not to be inspired with strength. Jesus was not only "a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;" he could speak of his joy just before feeling his deepest agony. A life of utter sorrow must be one of utter weariness.

1 . Therefore we should seek the grace of Christ to conquer sorrow in our own hearts. There is no virtue in yielding to it with self-made martyrdom.

2 . It is a good work to lessen the world's sorrow.