Scripture Commentaries

Proverbs - Chapter 13
Irene Nowell, OSB

Originally published in God’s Word Today
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"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a wish fulfilled is a tree of life." Prov 13:12

Read Proverbs, chapter 13.

How often have you heard someone say, "We’ll take a vacation when we retire" or "I’ll learn to play the piano when I’m out of school." One thread of advice that runs through the wisdom tradition is to value the present moment. We cannot control the past or the future. What we have is now. This moment is a gift of God. If we fail to enjoy the good things God gives us, we are despising a gift from one who loves us.

Looked at from another side, the proverb warns us to keep the promises we make. The song, "Cat’s Cradle," tells the story of parents who never have time for their children and children who never have time for their parents. Lots of hearts are made sick by the constant neglect of loving presence.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick (verse 12). This deferral is different from anticipation. We wait happily for a visit from a loved one or a birthday celebration. This deferral is the constant putting off of a desire or a promise we have carried for a long time. The heart finally gives up. In contrast, the wish fulfilled is a tree of life! To wait for something and then to enjoy its arrival is not only a gift of life for the moment. It is a tree that bears fruit in memory. We recall the delight and it refreshes our heart once more.

The second half of verse 19 reminds us, however, that not all our desires are life-giving. Hope deferred may make our hearts sick. But if what we hope for is wrong, its fulfillment will mean not life but death for us.

For reflection: What good things do I keep putting off? What promises do I fail to keep? Is there just one thing that I can stop deferring?

Prayer starter: God of all time, thank you for the gift of this present moment. Give me the courage to live it to the fullest and to bring joy to those around me.