Proverbs 14: 30-31
A common in theme in Proverbs is learning what is and how to do God’s way. Again, the author is teaching us that God’s way is always the best way. No matter how we are feeling about a decision or situation; God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and his ways are higher than ours. He sees all things out of time, from beginning to end. He knows how the story plays out. And he leads us step by step walking with us, holding our hand, and not just giving us a map to figure it all out on our own.
Our vertical relationship, the relationship with our self and the Father must be in check and healthy if we are to have a full life. This verse teaches that a peaceful heart is health to the body but a jealous one causes disease. Literally, when we are out of the umbrella of God’s boundaries for us we can become sick in our bodies because of our choices in sin. But if we look at the verse metaphorically, we can see this to be true too.
From my experience, jealousy, anger, envy, and selfishness have all caused my heart to ache and be unsettled internally. These emotions (if held onto and not released into God’s care) can cause chaos and confusion within one’s self, which in turn, affects our relationship with God and others.
Our relationship with God is hindered because we are now hiding things from him and not allowing him to be our Healer and Comforter. Then, it becomes like a ripple effect with those around us. We are unsettled in who we are, distant from God, and unhappy with people. This one emotion and choice can lead to chaos if it goes unchecked.
A peaceful heart leads to health and wholeness with self, God and others. The next verse shows us God’s care for how we treat the poor. Those who hold down or oppress the poor insult God. All people are created and loved by God. No matter how lost or broken. They are God’s masterpiece. Life may have hit them hard or choices may have led down a wrong path, but that does not change who they are. Beloved by God as you are. The author teaches us that it insults God when we treat his people wrongly, especially the poor.
But those who help the poor honor God. This is my life’s mission. To honor God in all that I do. How best to start than by loving his people, especially those who are overlooked. God sees and adores them. What an honor it is for us to be the ones who can treat people with the care and love God has for people. I have traveled overseas to do missions and I am always overcome with the joy of the Father’s heart for the poor. I think of one experience specifically, my friend Faith and I were walking through this village in Cambodia that literally was sitting in grey water (basically a sewer). They had built planks on top of planks to raise their houses (houses reminded us of the playhouses we would have in our backyards) from letting the water, feces, and trash come in. There was a woman sitting on her porch working on something when I saw the rope burn mark around her neck. It took all that is within me not to cry right then. She told us that she has no way to provide for her children. Her baby daddy left them and now this woman is stuck to figure out how to get a job and care for her multiple kids. She finally had enough and attempted to hang herself, but her oldest daughter found her before her last breath escaped her and cut her down. After this conversation, Faith and I walked down the path with no words. I just wanted to hold this woman and cry with her. I would have sat for hours with her if I were able. I would have given her all the money I had to help her. I would have watched her kids for her while she was at work if I could have. I would have told them stories about Jesus and how he has a special place in his heart for them. There is this amazing thing that happens whenever you are around the people Jesus loves, he gives you the eyes to see and the heart to feel what he feels about them.
This was by far the poorest community I have ever been in. And honestly, the dirtiest place I’ve ever been. But I would have stayed there for hours and not even cared. I believe this is how Jesus loves. And it honors him when we choose to love the way he does. And it should be an honor for us that we get to be the ones who can share this love to the poor and those around us.