Proverbs With Purpose For Young People- Proverb 17: 22, 27

Here is a practical example to help understand-

Proverb 17: 22,27

A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing,

But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words,

And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).

+++++++

Imagine you are in the hospital, feeling sick and helpless. Would you prefer a doctor who is grumpy and gives you a minimal amount of medicine, or a doctor who is cheerful and full of compassion, even though they might not have a miraculous cure?

Proverb 17: 22 and 27 describe the profound impact of a joyful heart and a broken spirit on our health and well-being. Just like a doctor, a joyful heart acts as a powerful medicine, bringing healing and strength. A broken spirit, on the other hand, has the opposite effect, drying up even the strongest bones.

But the journey to a joyful heart doesn't end with mere happiness. It requires self-control and wisdom. Having knowledge and understanding allows us to restrain our words and act with wisdom, keeping our temper even in the face of challenges. Ultimately, this leads to a cool spirit, like the gentle breeze that cools the burning sun.

So, as young people, you can start by cultivating a joyful heart through acts of kindness, gratitude, and compassion towards others. Practice self-control by managing your emotions, controlling your impulses, and choosing your words wisely. With wisdom, you can interact with your parents, friends, and even strangers with grace and understanding.

Godly Examples for Young People to Practice Self-Control:

Managing your emotions:

Sarah: A friend gets upset and throws a tantrum at the park. Instead of mirroring her anger, Sarah takes a deep breath and tries to understand why her friend is feeling sad. She offers comfort and patiently listens to her friend's concerns.

Controlling your impulses:

David: David wants to impulsively grab a candy from the vending machine, but he remembers Proverbs 23:2 and realizes the importance of delayed gratification. He takes a detour and chooses a healthier snack instead.

Choosing your words wisely:

Mary: Mary is angry with her classmates for messing up a project. Instead of speaking harshly or making hurtful comments, she takes a timeout to reflect on her emotions. When she returns, she calmly expresses her frustration and finds a solution together.

Additional Ideas:

Mindfulness exercises: Prayer is practicing mindfulness and helps you become aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This awareness allows you to control impulses and manage emotions more effectively.

Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you to identify patterns and triggers that lead to impulsive behavior or emotional outbursts. Once you know what drives you, you can develop strategies for coping with those situations.

Self-reflection: Regularly reflect on your emotions and behavior to identify areas where you can improve self-control. Having a clear understanding of your triggers and desired outcomes will help you make positive changes.

Remember:

Self-control is a lifelong learning process, and it takes practice to master.

Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, even small victories.

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

By incorporating Godly examples and practical techniques, you can develop self-control and live more fulfilling lives.

+++++++