Mr. Isker’s reading in today’s chapel service included this:
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad. (Proverbs 12:25)
But a good word makes it glad. (Proverbs 12:25)
A good word makes a person’s heart glad! So Proverbs tells us students need a good word. We all need this same thing. But, what is a good word? A resource that can make one glad, how we all want that!
Matthew Henry seems to assume the good word is scripture.[1] He says: “the good word of God, particularly the gospel, is designed to make the hearts glad that are weary and heavy-laden.”
He says:
1. Here is…The cause and consequence of melancholy. It is heaviness in the heart; it is a load of care, and fear, and sorrow, upon the spirits, depressing them … Those therefore that are inclined to it should watch and pray against it.
2. Here is…The cure of it: A good word from God, applied by faith, makes it glad; such a word is that…Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; the good word of God, particularly the gospel, is designed to make the hearts glad that are weary and heavy-laden, Mt. 11:28 . Ministers are to be helpers of this joy.
I think the word that Proverbs refers to, the word that makes us glad, is a bit broader. It could just be something said by another person. One writer says: "A compassionate and encouraging word, from a friend or minister, affords him relief and comfort, and enables him to go on his way with tranquility and peace if not also with joy."[2] But ultimately, a good word does need to be backed up by God himself. And, this comes through God’s written word.
Is this translation from the NKJV a bit strong? It renders the verse using the words “depression” and “anxiety.” Maybe someone thinks those terms are reserved for licensed practitioners.
I say, try it. Even doctors smile on non-medical solutions. Try the Word of God. Pray that the word would be heard by our students and that it would be effective in their lives.
Written by Robert Thoburn
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