The Merrier The Better

“All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast.” (Pr 15:15 AV)

The merry heart appears three times in the book of Proverbs.  Twice in chapter fifteen and then again two chapters later.  The merry heart is contrasted against circumstances that would normally challenge one.  Solomon seems to be saying a merry heart is one thing God provides for the despondent or depressed.  The merry heart is that which overcomes less than favorable circumstances.  This would suggest that a merry heart is something a person chooses to, or not to, possess.  To be of a cheerful countenance is a choice.  That is not to say that bad days will never come.  I am sure that at the loss of a loved one, even the merry of heart will weep.  That is not to say that those of a merry heart will not anguish in pain after major surgery or praise the LORD at the breaking of a bone.  I don’t think Solomon is speaking of being non-stop pleasant under all circumstances.  Solomon is sharing that those who determine to have a merry heart, generally speaking, have an easier time of life.

I had a grandfather like this.  He was a riot.  I never saw him get angry or upset.  I never saw him lose his temper.  I never saw him despondent.  There were times when he was quiet, but never sad.  When our families gathered, it was always Grandpa who commanded the greatest audience.  All the adults would sit around and tell stories.  The older children would sit and listen.  There was never a cross word.  Never any gossip.  For several hours they would sit around and laugh, telling stories of events of the past.  My grandfather was in the center of it.  His presence alone kept the conversation on the up-and-up.  While he sat, the words spoken by all were only edifying.  When politics or some other opinionated topic came up, my grandfather would quickly change the topic.  I wrote him a letter once that explained the gospel.  He lovingly rejected it reminded me that these were the things we only spoke of in private and face to face.  He did not reject the gospel.  He was simply careful in how it was approached.  My grandfather always wore a smile.  Mostly on his lips, but always in his eyes.  Merriment was a choice of his.  That was the way he decided life was to be lived.

This is the wisdom Solomon is trying to share.  How we perceive the world is just that – perception.  Perception is not in and of itself accurate.  We can see a photo of an object, but without the context of a known scale, we cannot tell just how large or small it is.  Perception is limited by what can be observed by the senses.  These senses are limited.  Therefore, merriment cannot be founded on what we can observe, but rather, in the word of God.  If God says He is in control of all things and all things have a purpose, then we must trust Him and cheer up.  Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.  He will testify a bit later that much study is weariness.  He will also share that more information does not necessarily make one happy.  Knowing that God loves, controls, and plans is all we should need.