Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:15, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
American Standard Version
All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart [hath] a continual feast.
World English Bible version
All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:15 Meaning & Commentary
All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. – Proverbs 15:15 (ESV)
This verse tells us that all of the days of the afflicted are evil. However, what does the word ‘afflicted’ mean? It is the Hebrew word ‘ani’, and means poor, needy, or afflicted. We know that this verse is not explicitly speaking about people who do not have money. How can we confidently say this? We see elsewhere in The Bible that God often chooses those who do not have material wealth be rich in the things of God:
James 2:5 – Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? Furthermore, we know that it is difficult – but not impossible for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God: Mark 10:25 – It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. So, in the context of this verse, it seems to be referring to someone who is afflicted in soul or spirit. No one likes to go through affliction of the soul or spirit!
However, the second part of Proverbs 15:15 says that the cheerful of heart (which is the opposite of an afflicted soul or spirit) has a continual feast. This does not mean that they eat all day, every day. Rather, it speaks or represents that they are constantly happy and joyful. A feast represents an outpouring of joy and happiness.
The truth is that as believers, we should walk in the joy of The Lord all the time – this is our source of strength: Nehemiah 8:10 – Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 15:15 to our lives?
The truth is that we cannot control what happens in life, and the challenges we face. However, we can control our response to those challenges! Jesus did not teach us that life would always be easy. In fact, He told us that we would face challenges, but gave us the ‘antidote’ to overcome them: John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Jesus told us to ‘take heart’, as He has already overcome the world. As believers, we have the joy of The Lord inside of us – The Bible explains the joy this way: 1 Peter 1:8 – Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. The best thing about joy is that it is not dependent on our circumstances! Joy resides in us, whether we are going through good times or bad times. We ‘unlock’ it by spending time with God: John 7:37-38 – On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
What we set our minds on also impacts our emotions and feelings: Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. As we spend time with God, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, his perfect peace and inexpressible joy will be with us – regardless of the circumstances we are going through!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for Your joy which lives inside of me. Thank You Jesus for overcoming the world, so that I can face all circumstances with boldness and confidence.
I pray for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done in my life. Help me express Your joy to others, so that I can lead them to You to live in victory, just as I do. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
