Topical Bible: Joy: Experienced by The Wise, and Discreet

◄ Joy: Experienced by The Wise, and Discreet ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, joy is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that is rooted in spiritual realities rather than temporal circumstances. The wise and discreet, those who live according to God's principles and exercise discernment, are often depicted in Scripture as experiencing a unique and enduring joy.

Joy in Wisdom:

The Bible frequently associates wisdom with joy. Wisdom, as described in the Scriptures, is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep understanding and reverence for God's ways. Proverbs 3:13-18 highlights the joy that accompanies wisdom: "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed."

This passage illustrates that the pursuit and acquisition of wisdom lead to a blessed and joyful life. The wise person finds joy in the peace and prosperity that wisdom brings, as well as in the intrinsic value of wisdom itself.

Joy in Discretion:

Discretion, closely related to wisdom, involves the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. It is a quality that guards one's life and leads to joy. Proverbs 2:10-11 states, "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you."

The joy of the discreet is found in the security and protection that discretion provides. By making prudent choices, the discreet avoid many pitfalls and troubles, leading to a life marked by peace and joy.

Joy in Righteous Living:

The wise and discreet are often characterized by their righteous living, which is a source of joy. Psalm 97:11-12 declares, "Light is sown on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones, and praise His holy name."

Righteousness, a hallmark of the wise and discreet, brings joy because it aligns one's life with God's will. This alignment results in a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness, as the individual experiences the blessings and favor of God.

Joy in the Fear of the Lord:

The fear of the Lord, a key aspect of wisdom, is also linked to joy. Proverbs 28:14 states, "Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." The reverent fear of the Lord leads to a life of obedience and submission to God, which in turn brings joy and blessing.

The wise and discreet find joy in their relationship with God, as they live in awe and reverence of His majesty and holiness. This fear of the Lord is not a terror but a profound respect and love that results in a joyful life.

Joy in Understanding:

Understanding, another facet of wisdom, brings joy to the wise. Proverbs 15:21 notes, "Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path." The joy of understanding comes from the clarity and direction it provides, enabling the wise to navigate life successfully.

In summary, the wise and discreet experience joy through their pursuit of wisdom, discretion, righteous living, fear of the Lord, and understanding. This joy is not fleeting or superficial but is deeply rooted in their relationship with God and their alignment with His divine principles.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:23
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Saint Prays to be Directed by a Different Way. Intellectual ...
... very different from what I had hitherto experienced,"and that ... be the accidental glory
and the joy of the ... better pleased when men account us wise and discreet ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxvii the saint prays.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... To be discreet, wise, prudent, selecting the best means to accomplish a noble purpose ...
a heritage from the Lord is the real secret of the joy experienced in the ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
... by those who have not yet experienced the inward joy of hearty ... for the soul that
has not yet experienced inward love ... the latter ought not in any wise to regard ...
/.../xxvi sermon for st peters.htm

On the Feast of St Timothy, or the Memorial of St Peter
... by those who have not yet experienced the inward joy of hearty ... for the soul that
has not yet experienced inward love ... the latter ought not in any wise to regard ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xii on the feast.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... What trials have I experienced? ... Has my soul been filled with joy and peace in believing
in Christ ... I acquiesce in the government of God as a most wise, most just ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

V. ...
... it possesses such power, but he who has experienced it ... And the Apostles went also
with joy, and thanked God ... you go on so venturously, it will be wise to examine ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iv v .htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... from the hour of his appointment, and he accordingly records his great joy at finding ...
In regard to all such things he was "the wise man who keepeth the matter ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... man marred by stripes and toil, and experienced in enduring ... 8You will make me hear
joy and gladness ... judgment, marvelous in strength and majesty, wise in creating ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... let young damsels learn of her to prize The world which is to come, in any wise. ...
14:13); and for that he now reapeth the benefit of his tears with joy (Psa.126 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

On the Life and Poetic Genius of Edward Young.
... good satires, Young determined to become wise, and enter ... bounds, prances, and caracoles
for joy, so does ... and graceful reservation"no experienced taste!""in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/young/youngs night thoughts/on the life and poetic.htm