The popular song "Just One Look" was covered by a few people and used in a high-ranking Superbowl commercial with Cindy Crawford. While the song talks about falling in love, the lyric "just one look" came to mind as I read this Proverb.
Proverbs 15:30 (NIV84)
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.
While the Proverb talks specifically about the light of the eyes, we cannot divorce this concept by how we look at people. The look we have on our faces makes a difference. Most people would assert that the look on your face reveals your soul, as The Message translates it.
Proverbs 15:30 (The Message)
30 A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle.
I would agree with this concept for the most part, but let's stick with what Wisdom is saying and the most likely interpretation.
Proverbs 15:30 (ESV)
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.
When we look at people, we have the power to make their day better. We can say things to them that would give the opportunity for encouragement or uplifting, but what is amazing, and I know it to be true experientially, is when people look at me with happiness, I get happier most of the time. I know there are always those outlying situations we could discuss, but let's talk about the power of how we look at people.
Proverbs 15:30 (CEV)
30 A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong.
God has created us in community and connection so much that I get to affect family, friends, and strangers. The verse goes on to say that if we bring good news, we create a space for well-being to enter into a person. This is not some superficial idiom. The Proverb is life to those who will follow it. Both of the simple phrases connots a depth we often overlook. The heart is the center of a person. When someone looks your way with happiness in their eyes and face, they can affect your heart! This is incredible. When you bring someone good news, you bring well-being to both body and soul. Although I am always interested in a physical health connection, the relationship with the deepest parts of a person can come with a look and a word.
This may want you to urge others around you to look at us with more happiness or give you a good word. I propose that you become that person. You be the one who touches deep within a person. There is no doubt that when you give it out, it will return to you, but we are not people who use that as motivation. We love others, so we give it out. May God bring awareness to our souls of what our face is conveying to others. My prayer is to help me be the room's thermostat, not the thermometer. Let me start the happy eyes thing.