Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families

Proverbs 12:25

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop:? but a good word maketh it glad.

Charles Bridges says this in his commentary on Proverbs:

“…Know we not the voice–‘It is I; be not afraid?'(Matt.14:27)? Human sympathy may give temporary relief.? But ‘that was the grace, softer than oil, sweeter than roses, which flows from the Saviour’s lips into the sinner’s wounds; and being poured into the contrite heart, not only heals, but blesses it, yea, and marks it out for eternal blessedness.? Oh!? how sweet is the voice of pardon to a soul groaning under the burden of sin!’? David, but for these good words, ‘would have perished in his affliction.'(Ps.119:92)? What beside made glad the jailor’s stooping heart?? (Acts 16:28-34)? Precious indeed is the privilege, to strengthen the weak hands ‘with a good word of God’ (Isa 35:3,4); to take the chair by the mourner’s side, and ‘comfort him with the same comfort, wherewith? we ourselves are comforted of God.’ (2 Cor. 1:4).? Precious is the ministry of the gospel, commissioned with the gladdening word to the heavy of heart.? (Job 33:23-26.? Isa. 40:1,2)? Yet more precious the office of the Beloved Saviour, ‘gifted with the tongue of the learned,’ and filled with the unction of the Spirit, for the express purpose of ‘comforting them that mourn.’? How tenderly did He perform this office, let his last sermon testify. (John 14-16)? See then the provision for joy, so rich, so free, so ready.”