According to the Spirit inspired paremiologist who wrote Proverbs 13:9 NLT, “The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.” This proverb reveals the desirability and availability of light and Godly joy as our touchstone for interpreting life.
The proverb anthologist likely intended that the reader focus on the overarching totality of a life, not the occasional fluctuations known by both the evil and the godly. Evil people know some occasional days of joy and the righteous know some days of dark clouds. However, the Spirit of God intends the overall lives of His people shine with the bright light of His presence and the fruit of His spirit, especially the fruit of joy.
Light – what a gift! Light enables us to see. Very often, visibility provides a foundation for productive and fruitful experiences instead of painful and damaging experiences. Jesus said, when the blind lead the blind (Luke 6:39) they all fall in the ditch. Without light-enabled-sight, damage and loss result.
This time of year revolves around the light and joy made available by Jesus’ incarnation. John 1:14b-15 “… his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
I hope you’ll consider this suggestion: for 2026, let’s elevate praise for how Jesus fulfilled Proverbs 13:9. Thank Him for providing us the opportunity to enjoy an abundant, satisfying life. (John 10:10b) Rejoice that He made available to us His Light and joy — and whatever the next 12 months hold, nothing can snuff out His Light or the fruit of the Spirit, particularly JOY.