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.”
Why do we waste so much time spinning our wheels to “arrive”?? Where is it we are trying to go?? Who are we trying to keep up with?? Is the grass really greener on the other side?
Resting in His love, mercy, greatness, and trusting that His sovereign plan is what He wants for us is not always easy or reachable in a given moment.? When an accident happens or job loss occurs, for example, it may be really easy to kindle bitterness and questioning.? Some people learn through health challenges that they must rest in the Lord.? When we realize afresh our utter dependence on HIm, when we are sick or needy or hurting we are broken by Him and we learn more of humility and our need of a Saviour.? We must always cling to Christ or Lord, He who endured every kind of suffering, pain and affliction.
The Proverbs are so much a HUGE TREASURE CHEST of wisdom……….more gleanings are coming.? I’m struck by the breadth of issues covered; foibles and follies of human relationships are dealt with throughout the book.