Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. Proverb 14:10 (NIV)
Matthew Henry's commentary on this passage reads, "We do not know what stings of conscience, or consuming passions, torment the prosperous sinner. Nor does the world know the peace of mind a serious Christian enjoys, even in poverty and sickness."
[His commentary reminds me of what Joseph's brothers blurted to each other, "Surely we are being punished becasue of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that is why this distress has come upon us." Genesis 42:21]
I think Matthew Henry is right in discussing the pasage by juxtaposing "the unbeliever" and "the believer" (a serious Christian). According to KJV, "no one" in the latter part of the verse can read "no stranger". The general flow of the Proverb 14 indicates that the stranger in turn refers to those who have been estranged from God the Father, the author of man's life, or in Solomon's term simply a "foolish" woman. In the Bible it is often seen that woman is synonymous with people in general, so that a wise woman denotes a believer (or Christian if you will), whereas a foolish woman stands for those who live as if there is no God.
So do not say, "No one understands me." Why? No one but you knows your 'own' bitterness. Yes, the old Indian saying goes, "Do not pass judgment on anyone until you have walked in his shoes for ten years", but remember: it is impossible for anyone to walk in your shoes for that long. You are you, I am I, he is he, and she is she. So the Apostle said, "Each one should carry his own load." Gal 6:5
Then you are stuck with your own fate (bitterness), right? Wrong! As Solomon says, you've got to STOP tearing down your own house with your own hands. Rather like a wise woman (such as Hannah, the mother of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:10), START building your own house, by pouring your 'bitter' heart onto the Lord, and turning to Him for His comfort and yes, "JOY". Do not be like Penninah. Be and do like Hannah! [By the way it has been said, "JOY" is an acronym of Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself third.]
God's blessings on your walk in the Lord.
[His commentary reminds me of what Joseph's brothers blurted to each other, "Surely we are being punished becasue of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that is why this distress has come upon us." Genesis 42:21]
I think Matthew Henry is right in discussing the pasage by juxtaposing "the unbeliever" and "the believer" (a serious Christian). According to KJV, "no one" in the latter part of the verse can read "no stranger". The general flow of the Proverb 14 indicates that the stranger in turn refers to those who have been estranged from God the Father, the author of man's life, or in Solomon's term simply a "foolish" woman. In the Bible it is often seen that woman is synonymous with people in general, so that a wise woman denotes a believer (or Christian if you will), whereas a foolish woman stands for those who live as if there is no God.
So do not say, "No one understands me." Why? No one but you knows your 'own' bitterness. Yes, the old Indian saying goes, "Do not pass judgment on anyone until you have walked in his shoes for ten years", but remember: it is impossible for anyone to walk in your shoes for that long. You are you, I am I, he is he, and she is she. So the Apostle said, "Each one should carry his own load." Gal 6:5
Then you are stuck with your own fate (bitterness), right? Wrong! As Solomon says, you've got to STOP tearing down your own house with your own hands. Rather like a wise woman (such as Hannah, the mother of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:10), START building your own house, by pouring your 'bitter' heart onto the Lord, and turning to Him for His comfort and yes, "JOY". Do not be like Penninah. Be and do like Hannah! [By the way it has been said, "JOY" is an acronym of Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself third.]
God's blessings on your walk in the Lord.
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