Who is Wise?

The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider shares in its joy.

Proverbs 14:10 (CSB)

Bitter hurt and the sweetest joy impact our character. They impact what flows from every heart, whether the person is truly born again or not.

That is what Proverbs 14:10 is talking about. It goes hand in glove with the scripture found in Luke 6:45 (CSB). You may know it.

A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.

This doesn’t mean that believer’s hearts are sinless, and evil people can never express joy or goodness.

Nothing is more unappealing for a believer than a bitter attitude. And people who have turned away from Christ lack the Spirit to help them control their unpleasant behavior. This type of behavior is often fuel for anger and hatred.

You see the outcome of such personal internal strife every day. People insist on getting their way in every situation. Their reckless behavior causes harm to innocent people, but that isn’t their concern—they just want what they want, whatever the cost.

But sometimes people say “me first, no matter what” without thinking about the consequences. The cost can be much higher than they ever expect to pay.

This is when people end up in dangerous situations, like accidents, hurting others, or losing relationships with family or friends.

More tragically, for believers, this lack of Godly character leads to a lifetime of lost opportunities of honoring God and loving others.

For people who don’t know Christ, such attitudes are a distraction from the Holy Spirit who pursues all people to be redeemed. But that invitation to life won’t last forever.

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 14:12 (CSB)

That is why it is crucial for believers to rely on the Holy Spirit’s gifts of love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, patience, self-control, kindness and faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22 & 23).

What is the most you can do for people who are held captive by a bitter spirit? Pray for them. Only the Holy Spirit can subdue lives that are filled with bitterness.

And always stay connected in your relationship with God. Read the Bible, pray, fellowship with other believers, and share the Gospel in your world.

Proverbs 14 (CSB)

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.