Joy
Proverbs 12:13-22
How would you describe joy? I think we would agree that joy captures something deeper and richer than merely being happy. The Greek philosophers used to talk about four central passions: desire, joy, fear, and greed. Desire was that longing for something different and something more. That feeling deep inside that we were made for a different place. Joy, then, flowed out of those rare occasions when people experienced some taste of those deep desires.
In C.S. Lewis’ book Surprised by Joy, he talks about such moments. Every now and again there were these unexplainable moments of sheer joy that seemed other worldly. It was as if he tapped into something beyond this world. This was inconsistent with his atheistic, naturalistic worldview which sent him on a journey that ultimately led him to Christ.
Joy is deep and rich but often seems to be but a fleeting moment in time. It’s as if for a few moments we connected with the world as God intended it to be. A taste of Shalom. Both the Old Testament and New Testament affirm that joy is not dependent upon circumstances so much as faith and belief. It’s about choices we make and the fruit of those choices.
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy. The wicked wear lots of masks. They want to be perceived as compassionate and caring people. They talk about justice and equity for all but beneath the surface they want power and control. They want to win which means they are determined that others lose. They don’t want mutual flourishing for the community. They want what will advantage themselves, even if it does great damage to the tribe. This is what is meant by deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil. They hide their true intent.
Contrary to that are the counselors of peace. The Hebrew word translated peace is our word shalom. The righteous are those who work for flourishing. They are counselors of peace. How do you tell the difference between the righteous and wicked? In this Proverb the evidence is in their mouths. There are words that promote peace and words that cut like a knife. People can claim they are all about compassion, justice and equity but pay close attention to what comes out of their mouths. That reveals the true heart.
An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will escape from trouble. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be stablished forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.
As we’ve discussed, the mouth can do great harm or great good. Words can cut like a knife or bring healing to a wounded heart. Words can create or destroy shalom. So where do we find words? Obviously, words flow out of our mouths. But these days words flow from many sources. Words flow from people in the media and on social media. Words are on texts and emails and blogs. They flow from politicians and preachers and neighbors and classmates. They flow from bosses and employees and speeches and whispered moments caught on tape.
My experience over the years has been most of those who speak rashly like the thrusts of a sword don’t see it in themselves. They don’t think they are the problem. Everyone else creates the conflict. Everyone else is politically motivated. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. This is why fools often remain fools. They never face what is so obvious to the others around him. They are self-deceived.
So what about us, how do we know if we have a skillful mouth or not? What if we are deceived? What if we have become blind to the hurt we are causing? The truth is shalom will be elusive to those whose mouths are out of control. Conflict in the family. Conflict at work. Conflict at church. Does anyone see a pattern here?
Those who create pockets of flourishing are counselors of peace. Counselors of peace have joy. A good way to assess your mouth is to read the joy meter. No joy is usually indicative of a mouth problem. Chances are it’s not everyone else’s problem. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
The proverbs remind us regularly that everyone ultimately lives in the culture he creates. If your mouth is creating shalom—if you are a counselor of peace—then you should be experiencing joy. There should be moments that seem other worldly, like you’ve briefly tapped into the world as God intended it to be. If that’s not happening. If there is nothing reading on the joy meter, then look in the mirror. Maybe it’s not everyone else’s fault. Maybe the problem is with you. Listen to the counsel of the proverbs. A wise man is he who listens to counsel.