SUMMARY
The heart/mind leads us in multiple directions.
ANALYSIS
We could take each of the three proverbs in Proverbs 13:13-15, ask “what does this mean,” and come up with some not very interesting platitudes. But, taken together, we are caught up in the repetitions. The word “heart” (Hebrew, leb) is repeated four times:
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14 The mind (heart) of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15 All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
As noted in “The Role of Imagery” entry in Bible in the World – Proverbs, the metaphorical meaning of “heart” often encompasses both emotion and reason. The repetition of “heart” draws the reader into the many body parts, the contrasts of joy and sorrow as well as knowledge and folly, affliction and feast. Ours is the heart/mind seeking knowledge as well as healing and wholeness of spirit. Glad hearts/intentions are related to personal inquiry and community well-being. Folly and sorrow are related, and we are drawn deeply into the interactions. Something more than simply good advice is here. We are invited to live into these proverbs much as we are invited by JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. into the Sermon on the Mount.
