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“Let us look at what the Word of God says.”
The central theme of this song is the path of wisdom—how inner condition, desire, conduct, and counsel determine the course of a life. The main scripture is drawn from Proverbs 15:
> “A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
> but heartache crushes the spirit.
> The heart of the one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
> but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
> Folly is joy to him who lacks sense,
> but a man of understanding walks straight.
> Without counsel plans fail,
> but with many advisers they succeed.”
> — Proverbs 15:13–14, 21–22 (LEB / CSB / ESV blended)
These verses set before us two paths:
In this passage, wisdom is not presented as a mere intellectual capacity. It is a way of walking, a way of speaking, a way of choosing. It affects:
The Holy Spirit, through Solomon, is showing us that wisdom is intensely practical. It shapes how we feel, how we react, how we speak, where we walk, and whether we fulfill God’s purpose—or fail in it.
The question before each of us is: Which path am I actually walking? Not what I profess with my lips, but what is revealed by my heart, my mouth, my choices, and my relationships.
---
These proverbs come from the book of Proverbs, primarily associated with King Solomon, whom Scripture calls:
> “Solomon son of David, king of Israel… to know wisdom and instruction.”
> — Proverbs 1:1–2
Solomon received from God an extraordinary gift:
> “Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.”
> — 1 Kings 3:12
So when we read Proverbs, we are not merely reading human advice. We are reading God’s wisdom imparted through a man God Himself supernaturally endowed with understanding.
### The setting and purpose
Proverbs was written in a context of covenant Israel, where God had revealed His law, His ways, and His standards. But Proverbs is not primarily ceremonial or ritual. It targets:
The book plainly states its aim:
> “To know wisdom and instruction,
> to understand words of insight,
> to receive instruction in wise dealing,
> in righteousness, justice, and equity.”
> — Proverbs 1:2–3
In chapter 15, Solomon is contrasting the life of the wise and the fool. It is a series of short, sharp pictures:
Into this tapestry, verses 13–14, 21–22 show that wisdom affects:
Solomon is not merely theorizing. He is describing how life works under God’s government.
---
To understand the path of wisdom more deeply, we look at two key Hebrew words: “heart” and “understanding / sense.”
### 1. “Heart” – לֵב (lev)
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful…” (Proverbs 15:13)
The word translated *heart* is לֵב (lev). In biblical usage, *lev* is not limited to our emotions. It includes:
So when the Scripture speaks of a “happy heart,” it is speaking of a deep inner condition, not mere passing feelings. Likewise, “heartache” is not momentary sadness. It is a deep wounding of the inner being.
This helps us see that:
Jesus confirms this principle:
> “For the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart.”
> — Matthew 12:34
And again:
> “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
> — Matthew 5:8
So:
### 2. “Understanding / Sense” – בִּין / חָסֵר־לֵב
Two related expressions appear in these verses:
> “The heart of the one who has understanding seeks knowledge…” (v.14)
The word for “understanding” here is often based on the root בִּין (bin)—to discern, to separate, to distinguish. It is discernment: the ability to distinguish truth from error, wisdom from folly, good from evil.
Then in verse 21:
> “Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense…” (v.21, CSB)
> “Folly is joy to him who lacks heart (חָסֵר־לֵב)…” (literally)
The phrase “lacks sense” is literally “lacking heart” (ḥasēr-lev).
So we have a contrast:
This tells us:
Therefore, when the heart of the one who has understanding seeks knowledge, it is a consistent orientation of the inner man toward the truth of God.
---
The lyrics follow the structure of these verses, repeating them to drive in the contrast between wisdom and folly. We will walk through the themes.
### A. “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:13)
This verse uncovers a spiritual law:
#### 1. The Source of a “happy heart”
In biblical terms, genuine gladness of heart is the fruit of a right relationship with God.
> “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”
> — Psalm 4:7
> “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
> — Psalm 16:11
The New Testament reveals that this joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit:
> “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
> — Galatians 5:22
So a “happy heart” is not simply positive thinking. It is the inner result of being rightly aligned with God, forgiven, cleansed, indwelt by His Spirit, and trusting His sovereignty.
This is why Paul, in prison, can say:
> “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
> — Philippians 4:4
The joy is “in the Lord,” not in circumstances.
#### 2. “Heartache crushes the spirit”
When the heart experiences prolonged disappointment, betrayal, unresolved grief, or unhealed wounds, the spirit can be “crushed.”
Proverbs speaks of this elsewhere:
> “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
> — Proverbs 17:22
> “A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?”
> — Proverbs 18:14
There is a form of inner collapse that mere human strength cannot repair. Many believers are walking with crushed spirits:
Yet Scripture teaches that God is close to such people:
> “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
> — Psalm 34:18
The path of wisdom includes bringing our inner pain to God so that He can:
### B. “The heart of the one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:14)
Here, the emphasis moves from emotional condition to intellectual and spiritual appetite.
#### 1. “The heart… seeks knowledge”
The one who has understanding (bin) does not passively wait for wisdom. He seeks it.
> “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
> — Proverbs 4:7
> “If you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord.”
> — Proverbs 2:3–5
True understanding creates a hunger:
Jesus Himself is the embodiment of this wisdom:
> “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
> — Colossians 2:3
So a wise heart continually seeks:
#### 2. “The mouth of fools feeds on foolishness”
Notice the contrast:
The phrase “feeds on” suggests a diet, a habitual consumption. The fool is not only occasionally foolish. His mouth—his speech, his conversations—is filled with:
Jesus said:
> “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
> — Matthew 12:37
If your primary input is foolishness, your speech will reveal it.
This is a spiritual warfare issue. Today, believers are bombarded with:
If we feed on this, we become spiritually dull. Our discernment (bin) is blunted. This is why Romans 12:2 commands:
> “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
What you feed your mind will govern your thoughts, words, and eventually your destiny.
### C. “Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; the sensible stay on the right path.” (Proverbs 15:21)
This verse goes deeper. It reveals what people enjoy.
#### 1. “Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense”
As we noted, “no sense” is literally “lacking heart.” A person who is empty in the inner man delights in what is foolish:
This is not neutral entertainment. It is moral and spiritual perversion of joy.
Paul describes this state:
> “They not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”
> — Romans 1:32
Foolishness is not merely practiced. It is celebrated. The inner emptiness of the fool requires constant stimulation from what is worthless. That is a judgment of God on a hardened heart.
#### 2. “The sensible stay on the right path”
In contrast, the man of understanding “walks straight” or “stays on the right path.” Wisdom is not only about what you reject. It is about how you walk.
> “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
> In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
> — Proverbs 3:5–6
> “Enter by the narrow gate… For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
> — Matthew 7:13–14
The straight path is:
The wise are not fascinated by foolishness. They are focused on staying the course.
### D. “Plans fail for lack of advice, but with many counselors they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
Here the focus shifts to strategy, planning, and relationships.
#### 1. “Plans fail for lack of advice”
We can be sincere, even spiritually minded, and still fail if we spurn counsel.
Scripture repeatedly affirms this:
> “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
> — Proverbs 11:14
> “By wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.”
> — Proverbs 24:6
Failing to seek godly counsel is a form of pride:
God has designed the Body of Christ in such a way that we need one another. The refusal to seek or receive counsel shuts you off from one of God’s main channels of guidance.
#### 2. “With many counselors they succeed”
The word “many” does not imply random quantity. It suggests a plurality of wise voices.
To be effective, counselors must be:
With such counselors, God brings:
Even the apostle Paul did not operate in isolation. He submitted his gospel and practice to the other apostles for confirmation (Galatians 2:1–2).
So, the path of wisdom includes:
---
To move from theory to practice, we must respond to these truths with deliberate steps. I will outline four.
### Step 1: Guard and Heal the Heart
Because the lev—the heart—is central, we must guard it and allow God to heal it.
> “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
> — Proverbs 4:23
Practically:
1. Acknowledge heartache: Do not deny wounds, grief, disappointments. Name them before God.
2. Bring them to Christ: He came “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1).
3. Forgive those who have pierced your heart (Mark 11:25). Unforgiveness keeps your spirit crushed.
4. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill and renew your inner man (Ephesians 3:16–17).
You cannot generate a “happy heart” by effort, but you can position yourself for God to heal and fill your heart with His joy.
### Step 2: Change Your Spiritual Diet
“The mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.” You must decide what you will feed on.
Ask yourself:
Then act:
1. Renounce any known source of foolishness, impurity, or mockery as part of your regular diet.
2. Replace it with:
3. Make this a principle: *“If it warps my discernment or dulls my sensitivity to God, I will not feed on it.”*
Your appetite will change as your diet changes.
### Step 3: Commit to the Straight Path
Foolishness delights in deviation. Wisdom stays on the right path.
1. Identify areas where you are tempted to deviate:
2. Bring those areas under the clear authority of Scripture.
3. Make specific commitments—e.g.:
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the fear of the Lord, which keeps your feet on the path:
> “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.”
> — Proverbs 8:13
### Step 4: Seek and Honor Godly Counsel
Make it a life pattern to seek counsel for major decisions.
1. Identify three to five mature believers:
2. Before you make major moves—marriage, relocation, major investments, ministry changes—ask their counsel.
3. Weigh their input prayerfully alongside Scripture and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
4. Be humble enough to delay or adjust your plans if consistent godly counsel warns you.
This is not bondage to people. It is obedience to God’s principle: “With many counselors they succeed.”
---
### Proclamation (Confession of Faith)
Say this aloud, thoughtfully, in the presence of God:
“I proclaim that God’s Word is my standard of wisdom and life.
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, so I open my heart to the joy of the Lord.
Every heartache that has crushed my spirit I bring to Jesus, my healer and restorer.
My heart will be a heart of understanding that eagerly seeks the knowledge of God.
I refuse to feed my mouth on foolishness, and I renounce every diet of trivial and ungodly words.
Foolishness will no longer be my delight; by God’s grace I will stay on the straight path of obedience.
My plans will not fail for lack of counsel: I embrace godly advisers and submit my ways to wise counsel in harmony with Scripture.
The Lord is making my paths straight, my heart strong, and my life fruitful, for His glory.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
### Prayer
“Lord God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
I come to You as the source of all wisdom.
You see my heart, my wounds, my failures, and my desires.
Where my heart has been crushed, I ask You to heal me by the power of the cross and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Fill my inner man with Your joy, Your peace, and Your wisdom.
Give me a heart that loves truth and seeks knowledge according to Your Word.
Deliver me from every attraction to foolishness.
Change my appetite, change my speech, and change my path.
Teach me to walk straight, to stay on the narrow way that leads to life.
Surround me with godly counselors, and give me humility to listen and to obey when You speak through them.
Let my life, my face, my words, and my plans bear witness that I am walking on the path of wisdom under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
I receive Your wisdom, Your healing, and Your guidance now.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.”
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