Thought for the Day

Verse 30 - This verse states that the facial countenance reflects the attitude of the soul. One who has the joy of the Lord in their heart will have light in their eyes and a glow on their face. Another way to say this would be that a person who has the joy of the Lord will have a twinkle in their eyes and will be aglow with the Spirit of the Lord. Joy brings health to the body as well as to the soul, so we receive a health benefit by maintaining a joyful attitude. "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones" (Proverbs 3:7-8). "Making the bones fat" or "It shall be health to the marrow of thy bones" refers to a healthy immune system that produces healthy blood. Life, the Bible says, is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). A strong immune system is produced by the healthy blood created by healthy bones. The medical profession has now recognized and proven that laughter releases certain hormones that bring a health benefit to the body. The joy of the Lord helps keep us healthy and makes us a blessing to others, because joyful people bring joy to others. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

Verses 31-32 - One of the ways to obtain wisdom is to yield to reproof that comes from the Spirit of the Lord. We need to ask the Lord to reveal any hidden sin in our hearts. When we allow Him to show us those areas needing correction, and we yield to that correction, we will grow in the wisdom of the Lord. Stubborn attitudes cost us dearly. To remain in the company of the wise, we must yield to their advice–and who is wiser than the Lord? Everyone who heeds reproof gains understanding. God desires the best for us. He corrects us for our good, so that we will abandon what hurts us.

Verse 33 - The Lord instructs those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, honoring those who approach Him in an attitude of humility. He will give them grace and mercy in any situation they may find themselves. "…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded" (James 4:6-8). By keeping a proper attitude toward God, we will be a blessing to others as we maintain an attitude of joy.