By Elder E. A. Green

It may be helpful to recognize that the "evil" in this passage is not necessarily moral in nature. Rather, it refers to various things we encounter in life which are disagreeable and unpleasant to us. In this sense troublesome things are said to be evil. This particular form of "evil" includes the deep disappointment experienced by the loss of a close friend or family member. Another form of this type of evil may be personal health problems or financial setbacks. All such things are unpleasant and, to some degree, create a crisis in one's life. Although the details may vary from person to person, nevertheless such evil is common to all. Job acknowledged this when he said, "Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble." Job 14:1 At first glance the above verse may appear to merely contrast affliction with prosperity. Undoubtedly a sharp contrast exists in the passage. This is typical of the special style of writing used in Proverbs. A good approach to these pithy verses is to ask the question, "What is being contrasted? " In this instance I believe the intent of the writer is to pose a stark contrast between the different perspectives or attitudes people have toward life. In the first case, the writer uses sarcasm in his reference to those whose attitude is "nothing goes smoothly for me." For these every day is full of unpleasantness. These perceive themselves to be afflicted to an unusual degree by things which others consider as the normal business of life. These view the events of daily life in such a way that each day is ruined by one or more of the "knotty" problems they have to deal with. For these, life literally consists of one crisis after another and nothing seems to go as it ought. These feel that they are afflicted by life and according to their description "All their days are evil." Have you ever met someone like this? We all have our "bad days", but for these every day is a bad one! Something or someone invariably comes along to ruin their day. To the observer, it appears as though these are looking for something to ruin their day, even if it is relatively insignificant. The writer of Proverbs continually emphasizes the importance of "keeping thy heart with all diligence." He says, "For out of it (the heart) are the issues of life." (Pro. 4:23) One of the benefits of implementing this wisdom is illustrated in the passage before us. In contrast to the attitude of those who feel that their days are perpetually ruined by the business of life, the writer says, "but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." I don't believe this statement is intended to imply that these are without their share of afflictions or troubles. What it does mean is that despite their afflictions, and notwithstanding their daily troubles, their inward joy is not extinguished. What a difference in attitude a rightly ordered heart will make!

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