Preaching Outline on Proverbs 15:30 – “The sight of a friend gladdens the heart; good news strengthens the bones.”
The Bible says that “a merry heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). And that’s what we also see in Proverbs 15:30: true joy has the power to transform not only our feelings, but our very inner life. The Word says that a friendly look brings joy to the heart, and good news strengthens even the bones.
This passage speaks of something profound: we all need someone to look at us with affection, to encourage us, to strengthen us. But we often look for this joy in the wrong people, in passing places, in things that don’t last. People look for peace and joy everywhere, but they don’t always find it.
It is in this context that we want to reflect today: Jesus is the Friend who brings us joy. He is not just any friend, but the faithful Friend, the one who never fails, who never abandons us, and whose love changes our hearts and gives meaning to our lives.
The Word of God reminds us that some friendships are fleeting, others can even hurt or disappoint us. But Jesus is different. He is the Friend who sees all, understands all and loves all.
In the Bible, Jesus calls his disciples his friends: “I no longer call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15
That’s incredible! The Son of God himself calls us friends. He didn’t come as a distant judge, but as a companion who walks with us, who pities our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15), and who encourages us even when we are tired or discouraged.
When Jesus looked at Zacchaeus, a despised sinner, he didn’t just see a thief, he saw a heart thirsting for love. When he looked at Peter, who had denied him three times, he didn’t reject him, but tenderly restored him. Jesus’ gaze restores, saves and transforms.
He looks at you now, not with criticism, but with love. It is this gaze that gladdens the heart, that heals old wounds, that gives hope to the afflicted.
Many people seek joy in material things, in fame, in success, in achievements. But these joys are temporary. They soon pass, leaving an even greater void.
Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:11
Jesus’ joy doesn’t depend on circumstances. It comes from the certainty of being loved, forgiven and accepted by God. It is the joy of salvation!
The Holy Spirit, who dwells in the heart of the believer, is the Spirit of joy. He transforms the saddest of hearts, renewing in it hope and the purpose of life.
You may be suffering, facing difficulties, but know that Jesus wants to renew your joy. He didn’t promise that life would be easy, but he did guarantee that, even in tribulation, we would have peace in him (John 16:33).
The “good news” mentioned here is the news that changes lives. It’s news about God’s love, about the forgiveness of sins, about eternal life offered freely through Jesus Christ.
This Good News is so powerful that it not only cheers the heart, but strengthens even the bones. It’s a strength that comes from within, which restores emotional, spiritual and even physical health.
The Bible says that the Word of God is life: “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” – John 6:63
Jesus is the Word Incarnate. He came from heaven to bring the world the most important message of all: God loves you and wants to restore your life.
And this message is for everyone: poor, rich, sinners, sick, tired, sad… No one is left out. Jesus died for everyone, so that everyone could have access to eternal life.
And it is this message that gives us the structure to live by. It’s not religions, rituals or human works that save us, but faith in what Jesus has already done for us on the cross of Calvary.
Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus is the Friend who brings us joy. He is the only one who can look at our weary hearts and give them strength. He is the only one who can bring true joy, even on difficult days.
If you feel like you’re running out of steam, maybe it’s time to stop and listen again to the Good News: Jesus loves you, he gave his life for you, and he wants to renew your soul with joy and peace.
No matter how many times you’ve fallen, or how many times you’ve tried to go it alone – Jesus is here, holding out his hand, looking at you with love.
Come to him. Let the Holy Spirit renew your joy. Let the Good News of salvation strengthen even your bones.
Because Jesus is the best Friend, and with him we find true joy and full life.
Amen.
Preaching Outline on Proverbs 15:30 – “The sight of a friend gladdens the heart; good news strengthens the bones.”