True Happiness
Proverbs 3:13
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Proverbs 3:18
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Proverbs 16:20
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Proverbs 28:14
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Solomon had pressed us earnestly to seek diligently for wisdom (Proverbs 2:1, etc.), and had assured us that we should succeed in our sincere and constant pursuits. But the question is, what shall we get by it when we have found it? He therefore shows us how much it will be to our profit, laying this down as an unquestionable truth—Happy is the man that findeth wisdom—that true wisdom which consists in the knowledge and love of God, and an entire conformity to all the intentions of his truths, providences, and laws.
- We must get it. He is the happy man who, having found it, makes it his own, gets both an interest in it and the possession of it, who draws out understanding, that is, (1.) Who derives it from God. Having it not in himself, he draws it with the bucket of prayer from the Fountain of all wisdom, who gives liberally. (2.) Who takes pains for it, as he does who draws ore out of the mine. If it does not come easily, we must put the more strength to draw it. (3.) Who improves in it, who, having some understanding, draws it out by growing in knowledge and making five talents ten. (4.) Who does good with it, who draws out from the stock he has, and communicates to others for their instruction, things new and old.
We must trade for it. We must make it our business as a business man working to get all he can of an item. We must risk all in it, as a stock in trade, and be willing to part with all for it. This is that pearl of great price which, when we have found it, we must willingly sell all for the purchase of it (Matthew 13:45, 46). Buy the truth, (Proverbs 23:23); he does not say at what rate, because we must buy it at any rate rather than miss it.
- We must lay hold on it as we lay hold on a good bargain when it is offered to us, which we do the more carefully if there be danger of having it taken out of our hands. We must apprehend with all our might, and put forth our utmost vigor in the pursuit of it, lay hold on all occasions to improve in it, and catch at the least of its dictates.
- We must retain it. It is not enough to lay hold on wisdom, but we must keep our hold, hold it fast, with a resolution never to let it go, but to persevere in the ways of wisdom to the end. We must embrace it with all our might, as we do that which we would sustain.
The quest for happiness is too often centered on materialism and wealth. Anyone who has had those things will tell you that they don’t contribute to internal happiness or self-satisfaction at all. The comfort of a firm belief in Christ is probably the single greatest gift you could give somebody who’s really seeking self-satisfaction and internal happiness. Happiness is an elusive thing, but the contentment and peacefulness that Christ can bring are the real focus. ~ Matthew Henry Commentary
The Happiness of Christians
The happiness of a Christian comes when the church bells ring;
When we gather there to worship, the beautiful songs to sing.
The happiness of a Christian comes in the quiet hour,
When we hear again Christ’s story with its beauty and its power.
—Author Unknown