As Dane Ortlund once put it, people are not going around overencouraged. There are plenty of discouraging things happening in the world, and our hearts are affected by tragedy. Everyone we meet is carrying burdens, struggling with sins, dealing with disappointments.
From Solomon’s wise words we read, “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones” (Prov. 15:30).
This proverb is about the effect of good news. The “light of the eyes” probably refers to the demeanor of the speaker who is coming to tell someone something, and the effect on the listener is a joyous heart (“rejoices the heart”). Parallel to this is the second line: someone comes with good news, and the effect on the listener is refreshed bones.
Solomon mentions the “heart” and “bones” in order—with these parts—to represent the person. We know the toll that life in a fallen world can take. Our inner life needs strength, rejuvenation. And in the providence and kindness of God, the arrival of fresh strength and joy can come through news.
Imagine you’re sitting by yourself and feeling low when, suddenly, you get a call from a friend who wants to share news that they know you will want to hear. Maybe a job opportunity came through, maybe a health report came back with an encouraging result, maybe there are dinner plans and you’ll have a seat at their table.
Your spirit lifts. Your countenance changes. Your joy is stirred, and your bones are refreshed. This is the kind of effect that good news has in us.
But we’re not always the recipient of news. Sometimes we’re the sharer! We have opportunities to bring encouraging words. Do you see evidence of the Lord’s grace in someone’s life you can affirm? Are there needs you see that you can meet and thus bless someone? Are there things about a person you particularly appreciate? Wield your tongue to bring joy, to refresh the bones. Make a call, write a note, send an email.
Now think beyond words of general encouragement. How would Proverbs 15:30—“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones”—apply to corporate worship on the Lord’s Day?
Gospel news is the greatest news to hear. The power of the cross and resurrection are heart-enlivening truths. The finished work of atonement combats our shame and guilt, and the victory of Christ secures our hope. Whether we’re engaged in corporate prayer, singing, preaching, or administration of the ordinances, we’re using words and signs that are gospel-shaped. Because the preacher has been steeped in the Scripture, he ascends in the pulpit with “light of the eyes” and has good news to proclaim. He speaks to the hearts and bones of those who have gathered.
Don’t let Proverbs 15:30 be just a Solomonic observation about how good news affects people. Applications are obvious: welcome good news to be encouraged, and also be a sharer of good news to be an encourager. And when Sunday comes, don’t stay away from God’s people. Go to church on the Lord’s Day. Our hearts need joy and our bones need refreshed. There’s no greater good news than gospel news.