Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:30, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
American Standard Version
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; [And] good tidings make the bones fat.
World English Bible version
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30 Meaning & Commentary
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. – Proverbs 15:30 (ESV)
This verse in Proverbs speaks about the impact and effect of ‘external stimuli’ and how they can affect our lives and how we feel. The first part of the verse says that ‘The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.’ We may have heard the term ‘sparkle in your eye.’ The truth is that what we see can produce feelings of happiness and create a sparkle in our eyes. We can think of a few examples, such as the following:
You have had a very bad day at work and feel depressed, frustrated, and annoyed. However, when you come home, your spouse comes to greet you together with your kids, and they are all beaming with joy. You see this, and it creates feelings of happiness and joy to suddenly flood your whole body. Your eyes are filled with light, and your heart begins to be flooded with joy.
Furthermore, another way we can look at this scripture is when we come across someone just beaming with joy and smiling. When that person makes contact with us, it’s almost as if their joy ‘rubs off on us.’ This is why we are often encouraged to smile at somebody and be kind. In doing so, the light we ‘emit’ has a ‘piercing effect’ on other people’s lives and can cause them to experience joy and happiness.
Second part of Proverbs 15:30 says that ‘good news refreshes the bones.’ Just as what we see can impact our feelings, what we hear has the same effect. We can think of another example: Someone we love dearly is very sick, and we are unsure whether they will ‘pull through.’ However, we get sudden good news that their health has taken a remarkable turn for the better. When we hear this news, we immediately feel happy, refreshed, and filled with hope again.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 15:30 to our lives?
Just as what we see and hear can impact our lives positively, in the same way, it can affect our lives negatively. Therefore, as it depends on us, we should try to surround ourselves with positivity. This is one of the primary keys to living a life of peace and joy:
Philippians 4:8-9 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
This verse tells us to ‘think’ about those things which are ‘good’ or ‘pure.’ This means to set our minds on them and meditate on them. Our world is filled with negativity and bad news; we don’t need to look far to see or hear it. However, we can also make a purposeful effort not to focus on that and instead fix our minds on God and his goodness in the midst of all the bad around us. Furthermore, we can be ‘the light’ to those around us.
There is always an opportunity to be the light to someone else. Whether we share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ or just bring ‘hope and positivity’ to anyone we meet, we can make a difference. However, as disciples of Jesus, we can extend more than just a smile and good news, only. We have God’s power available in us, and are called to do the works of Jesus and reach a dying world:
Mark 16:17-18 – And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You for making me an ambassador for Your kingdom. Help me to walk in your love and power wherever I go. Help me control my mind and where I fix my attention so that Your peace will guard my heart and mind. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
