Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (NIV)
I find the various translations of this verse fascinating because they range so greatly. The BST version seems to indicate the verse is about someone who promises to help but never does while the GWT seems to allude to personal hopes that never come to fruition.
Proverbs 13:12 Delayed hope makes the heart sick, but fulfilled desire is a tree of life. (HCSB)
My sister and I were talking yesterday about the importance of hope. I think what this verse gets to is that while hope is important, for the soul to flourish, the hope that God is with us has to be fulfilled. From my vantage point, that fulfillment can be God winks or blessings He sends our way (sunshine, blue skies, a butterfly, a kind word, etc), not necessarily the one thing that we have our hopes set on.
Proverbs 13:12 Better is he that begins to help heartily, than he that promises and leads another to hope: for a good desire is a tree of life. (BST)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the gift of hope and the million little ways that You help us to hold on to hope, even in difficult situations. Where it is possible, help me encourage others in hope. Draw me closer. Amen.
Proverbs 13:12 Delayed hope makes one sick at heart, but a fulfilled longing is a tree of life. (GWT)
Have a blessed day.