Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy. Proverbs 12:20
Deceit: sense of deceiving; fraud
Heart: feelings, will, intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Devise: as one who works in, practices, imagines
Evil: injury, wrong
Counselors: advise; to deliberate or resolve, consult, devise, guide
Peace: friendship, human relations
Joy: glad result, gleeful, pleasure, rejoicing
Recipe for Joy.
Be deliberate, have resolve to be peaceful, to promote peace.
This time of year we often hear two types of stories: those who devise evil and those who promote peace.
The first, those who steal packages off doorsteps, those who use stolen credit cards, those who shoplift—all have a heart that is practicing evil. When we hear these stores, we experience sadness, anger and frustration.
Secondly, those who "pay it forward", help a stranger, give extra, help make Christmas special for someone else. When we hear these stores, we experience joy!
If you really want joy not only this Christmas season, but year-round, then resolve to share peace and friendship. A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), is less apt to spend time practicing evil.
Which story will you be part of—one of evil or joy?
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