"Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counselors of peace is joy."
Proverbs 12:20
Part 2
Yesterday:
“Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil.”
Those who plan evil for others have a heart issue that only Jesus can help them with.
Today:
“But to the counselors of peace is joy.”
Here is a pleasing picture. “The counselors of peace.” The polar opposite of those evil deceivers, are believers who are “the counselors of peace.” This brings to mind Isaiah’s unforgettable words,
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7).
These “counselors” have peace and are working at bringing the lost to the Savior by “publishing peace and salvation.” And they are peacemakers helping fellow believers who are struggling in their relationships with others. Helping their brothers and sisters stay peaceful in their churches is not uncommon for them.
“They whose hearts devise mischief shall be deceived in their hopes, and bring trouble upon themselves: but they who by good counsels labor to promote peace shall reap the comfort of it themselves”[1] (John Wesley).
Jesus taught,
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
“The ‘counselors of peace’ have joy in themselves, and impart it to others also”[2] (Barnes).
What a joy it is to help a lost soul to the Savior! And also, helping quarreling believers be reconciled is a joy indeed. Believers, let us continue on as peacemakers for our Lord.
“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (1 Peter 3:10-11).
Quote: When Christ returns in power and glory, He will change things. “For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12).
[1] John Wesley. John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.