Praise or Petulance? - Prov. 4:23
The sermon emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart and cultivating a happy heart through joy, gratitude, and praise.
Bernard Fell preaches about the importance of guarding our hearts diligently, as they are the source of our words and actions. He contrasts the lives of two individuals - one living in constant discontent and criticism, and the other residing in joy and gratitude. The sermon emphasizes how our internal state of heart reflects in our external demeanor, affecting our interactions with others. By choosing a heart filled with thanksgiving and praise, we can radiate the joy of Christ even in the midst of challenges and sorrows.
Text
Keep thy heart with all diligence:
for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23
He lived in "Grumble Alley",
The house called "Discontent",
And loved the critic's armchair,
Where gloomy hours were spent.
He looked for deep perfection
In ev'ryone, but self!
Complaints-his daily menu,
And misery his wealth!
He lived in "Happy Valley",
The house called "Sunnydale";
He never seemed downhearted,
Come snow, or rain, or gale.
His smiles were like the sunflowers,
Which in his garden grew,
And, like the birds befriended,
He was as happy, too!
These diverse dispositions
Reveal the state of heart:
This spring within determines
The streams that cheer or smart.
Its flow can be spasmodic
In grumpy, fretful ways.
Or in a steady current,
O'erflow with love and praise.
The sunshine still can filter
Through heavy, driving rain,
And paint a radiant rainbow
On low'ring clouds of pain.
The joy of Christ unfailing
Can shine through falling tears,
Imparting warmth to others,
Dispelling dismal fears.
Thanksgiving is thanksliving,
An atmosphere of praise;
In this pure air move freely
In calm or stormy days.
Sighs, then, are turned to singing,
Complaints forever cease,
And as for wretched grumbling-
None mourn its quick decease!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Guarding the Heart
- Two Types of Hearts
- The Happy Heart
- The Power of Joy
- The joy of Christ can shine through pain
- Imparts warmth to others and dispels fears
- Overflows with love and praise
Key Quotes
“Complaints-his daily menu, And misery his wealth!” — Bernard Fell
“His smiles were like the sunflowers, Which in his garden grew, And, like the birds befriended, He was as happy, too!” — Bernard Fell
“Thanksgiving is thanksliving, An atmosphere of praise;” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- We should be intentional about guarding our hearts and emotions, recognizing their impact on our lives.
- We can cultivate a happy heart by focusing on the joy of Christ and practicing gratitude and praise.
- A happy heart is characterized by joy, love, and praise, and can shine through pain and bring hope to others.