Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:22, Joy is Good for Your Health

by Marilynn Chadwick

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Proverbs 17:22

Can practicing thankfulness actually improve your health? Some think so. I read about a study in which participants were asked to list the things for which they were thankful. They were instructed to write their gratitude list and sustain this exercise for exactly five minutes. The results of the study showed that those who practiced gratitude for five minutes experienced a sharp rise in their disease fighting antibodies. These antibodies remained elevated for several hours!

Being thankful can improve our mental health as well. The Bible teaches us that a thankful heart is a joyful heart. And as Proverbs 17:22 points out, a joyful or cheerful heart is “good medicine.” I like this paraphrase from the Message Bible: “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired” (Proverbs 17:22 MSG).

The Bible promises joy when we spend time with Jesus: “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Acts 2:28 NIV). The Greek word for “joy,” euphrosune, comes from two words that mean “well” and “mind.” Said another way, a sound mind. Joy springs from a sound or healthy mind when we’re connected to Jesus. Just spending time in his presence can be healing. That’s good news!

When we practice being thankful, we become more aware of Jesus and all his blessings. This naturally (and supernaturally) increases our joy. And who doesn't want more joy? Joy is a language anyone can understand.

The story is told of missionaries who went to a tiny village in a faraway place. Even before the missionaries became fluent in the village’s native language, some villagers approached them wanting to hear more about “this Jesus” after hearing the sounds of joyful laughter coming from the missionaries’ tent.

So today, let’s exercise our “thank you muscles.” A thankful, joyful attitude promotes physical and emotional health. This, in turn, will help us be filled with more joy. We can pray that thirsty people—especially those who may not even know what they're thirsty for—will be drawn to our joy. Above all, let’s pray they are drawn to our Jesus who gives us this joy!

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:17

by David Chadwick

“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.”

Proverbs 15:17

Better is dinner with herbs, a meager meal, where there is love, laughter, and joy, than a dinner with feasting and luxurious food where there is hatred.

I don’t know about you, but some of my best memories with my family of origin were around the dinner table. My dad, mom, brother, and sister all together sharing memories and conversations. My mom would fix great meals, but it was the laughter and great conversation that have had such an impact on my life.

Along with my wife, Marilynn, we created those same kinds of memories with our three kids. And today, our three kids are extending the same blessing to our now 12 grandchildren.

Now, for just a moment, imagine sitting around this kind of dinner table with people you hate. Even if the food is great, the enjoyment of the moment will fizzle away quickly.

How does this apply to all of us today?

First, think about your own personal family. Have you put more of a focus on your career, money, and success and, as a result, forgotten to cultivate love? None of these things are inherently evil. But without love, they are meaningless. Are you spending more time on things that will fade away than on the things that remain: faith, hope, and love, the greatest of which is love (1 Corinthians 13:13)?

Secondly, think about the local church in which you take part. Are you prioritizing love? Do you have a high value for the bride of Christ? Do you desire the nourishment that comes from a life that follows Jesus? Or are you constantly pursuing things that may fill your flesh in the moment, but leave you lacking spiritually?

Celebrate the beautiful moments around a dinner table. But most importantly, feast on love. Seek to be in unified communion with one another. This is God’s heart for his church.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:6

by David Chadwick

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”

Proverbs 17:6

Grandchildren are the crown of those in old age. And the glory of children is their fathers.

This proverb has two great insights. Let’s take a look at them together.

First, grandkids are a crown for faithful parents. Marilynn and I now have 12 grandchildren. Yet we vividly remember the years when we were told by doctors that we would never have children. From a barren womb came three children and now 12 grandchildren.

In the midst of our brokenness, God was faithful. Now to have 12 grandkids is like wearing a crown! A “well done” from the Lord and a display of his faithfulness in our lives. Our grandchildren make us feel like royalty! And help us see why we were placed on this planet.

Second, this proverb states the importance of a father’s relationships with his kids. Dads aren’t add-ons to God’s plan for the world. They are not superfluous. They are a crucial and integral part of family unity and God’s original intent.

In fact, I’ve often stated through the years that I can’t think of one time where I have met a dysfunctional adult who had a great, present, and invested dad. A Godly dad who persistently pursued Jesus in his own life, I am sure there may be some examples, but I’ve not personally seen or experienced it.

If you’re a father, teach your children God’s Word. Pray with them and for them. Memorize Scripture with them. Imitate Jesus to them. Always remember that kids spell love T-I-M-E. Spend time with them. Be present. Hug them often. Tell them you love them. That you are proud of them.

The Father in heaven did this with his Son, Jesus, at his baptism. If Jesus, who was perfect, benefited from his Father’s blessing and affirmation, how much more do our earthly kids need them from us!

And our grandkids!