CELEBRATION SUNDAY

JOY in the Proverbs

SCRIPTURE: Read these verses in Proverbs  aloud and look for a theme: 

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son, heartache to his mother. Proverbs 10:1

The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. 10:28

When the righteous thrive, a city rejoices; when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting. 11:10

Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. 12:20

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.12:25

Hope delayed makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.13:12

The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider shares in its joy. 14:10

Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief. 14:13

A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit. 15:13

All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. 15:15

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.15:20

Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a person with understanding walks a straight path. 15:21

A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word—how good that is! 15:23

Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens the bones.15:30

A man fathers a fool to his own sorrow; the father of a fool has no joy.17:21

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.17:22

Justice executed is a joy to the righteous but a terror to evildoers. 21:15

My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice. My innermost being will celebrate when your lips say what is right. 23:15-16

Let your father and mother have joy, and let her who gave birth to you rejoice. 23:25

Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel. 27:9

Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy, so that I can answer anyone who taunts me. 27:11

Without revelation people run wild, but one who follows divine instruction will be happy.29:18

ACCOUNTABILITY: The Book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom, all beginning with the “fear of the Lord” (1:7). With that as a basis, what do these verses say about:

• Community?
• Parenting?
• The path to joy?
• Speech?
• How can our countenance change our lives?

TRANSFORMATION:

As you look over these verses, how is the Spirit challenging you? What is He saying to you about how you live your life?

Choose two or three verses from the above list which resonate with you about being joyful. Memorize them and ask God to help you show joy to others this week as a result.

”Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” Karl Barth