By definition, the word “delight” means “to have a high degree of gratification, joy, and extreme satisfaction. Something that gives great pleasure.” I believe it is true that the character of a man can be measured by the things in which he delights.
The Bible records for us the delights of several biblical characters and God, Himself. For instance:
- It was said that Jehoshapat delighted in the ways of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:6).
- The people in the days of Nehemiah delighted in the great goodness of God (Nehemiah 9:25).
- Job delighted in God (Job 22:26).
- The upright man delights in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2).
- Godly men delight in peace (Psalm 37:11).
- God delights in man (Psalm 16:3) and He also delights in extending mercy unto man (Micah 7:18).
There is also the other side of this picture. Not everyone delights in what is good and pleasing to God. The Bible tells us that
- the wicked delight in lies (Psalm 62:4),
- war (Psalm 68:30),
- scorning (Proverbs 1:20),
- perversity (Proverbs 2:14),
- and abominations (Isaiah 66:3).
Do you see how one’s delights can easily reveal the true character of a man? There is quite a contrast between the delights of a righteous man and the delights of an unrighteous man.
Let me ask you – in what do you delight more?
- Discovering the sins of another person or helping to cover the sins of another person?
- A good church fuss, or a church existing in peace?
- Giving a person just what they deserve or being gracious and merciful?
- Worshiping and studying with the saints or watching television?
Take a good look at the things in which you delight, and while you’re looking, take a look at your character as well. You see, your delights and your character travel together, and when you see one, you will most certainly see the other.
by Steve Higginbotham
