Thought for Today
Genesis 18:13 The Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, and say, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?'
Proverbs 31:10 A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. . . . 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Luke 6:21 "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Matthew 9:24 he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him.
Proverbs 31:10-31 is one of the lectionary readings for next Sunday. It is also the passage for the These Days devotional today and tomorrow. The Old Testament book of Proverbs is a very rich source of practical, sensible advice about life. It is included with the Wisdom literature of the Bible. Much of the book addresses Wisdom. My Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms defines Wisdom literature as “Old Testament writings that contain practical wisdom for living life in accord with the will of God.” The Greek word for wisdom is σοφία (sophia). It is a beautiful word describing a far too rare commodity. Greek nouns have gender, and σοφία (sophia) is a feminine noun. It is often used in our society as a female name.
As I read that passage in Proverbs, I was struck by the fact that one of the virtues of the capable wife was that “she laughs at the time to come.” As an engineer, I did not take many philosophy courses. The first (and only) philosophy course I ever took was in seminary. Irrespective of the philosophical considerations, I don’t think most of us would first think about laughter as a characteristic of wisdom. Maybe we should.
Laughing, laughter and having laughed are not uncommon words in scripture. Sarah laughed at God’s promise of a seemingly impossible scenario. Jesus promised that those of us who weep now will laugh. When I am sad, I remember that despite Sarah’s scornful laughter, God’s promise was fulfilled. When I have wept, Jesus’ promise has later proved true. When Jesus was laughed at (scornfully), the truth of Jesus’ words were later proved correct.
What makes you laugh? Do you enjoy watching comedy? Do you prefer to read comedic literature? Sometimes we all encounter events in life whose very improbability provoke laughter. There have been times for me when the simple joy of being alive has made me smile and laugh.
I must admit that my default mood is happy. I am ‘of an age’ that I remember when Vice President Hubert Humphrey was frequently referred to as “the Happy Warrior.” My memories of him are of his consistent and persistent smiling face. That nickname, whether offered in tribute or disrespect, would be a wonderful appellation to have appended to one’s legacy.
Many of us have heard that it takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile. I have seen numbers ranging from 17-26 muscles required for smiles versus 43-62 muscles required for frowning. The exact number is far less important than the significant disparity between the numbers necessary to produce those two facial features.
The writer of the Proverb about the capable wife doesn’t tell us why she laughs. Other translations translate the word as ‘rejoices,’ or ‘smiles.’ The passage suggests to me that the capable wife is practical, prudent and well prepared for whatever the future holds. She evokes trust from her husband. She “does him good and not harm.” She manages their money well. She is generous, confident in her faith and in her preparations.
As we watch the world around us, there is not enough evidence of wisdom, of laughter, rejoicing or smiling. Watch the political advertisements with which we are inundated right now. Count the smiles or episodes of laughter. There is not much there to make any of us happy.
Remember God’s promise to Sarah. Remember Jesus’ promise to us all. Smile, even laugh in the sheer joy of your faith, your assurance that God and Jesus keep promises.
Stay safe, have faith, trust God,
Pastor Ray