The concept of smiling, while not frequently mentioned explicitly in the Bible, is closely associated with themes of joy, favor, and divine blessing. In the biblical context, a smile can be seen as an expression of inner joy and contentment, often resulting from a relationship with God or the receipt of His blessings.

Joy and Contentment

The Bible frequently speaks of joy as a fruit of the Spirit and a natural response to God's presence and blessings. While the act of smiling itself is not often described, the underlying emotions that lead to a smile are prevalent throughout Scripture. For instance, in the Psalms, expressions of joy and gladness are abundant. Psalm 126:2 states, "Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.'" This verse captures the essence of a smile as a reflection of the joy that comes from God's deliverance and blessings.

Favor and Approval

A smile can also symbolize favor and approval, both human and divine. In the context of human relationships, a smile often indicates approval or affection. Similarly, divine favor is sometimes depicted metaphorically as God's countenance shining upon His people. Numbers 6:25 includes the well-known priestly blessing: "The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you." This imagery suggests a divine smile, representing God's favor and grace toward His people.

Expressions of Love and Kindness

Smiling is often associated with love and kindness, qualities that are central to Christian teaching. The New Testament emphasizes love as a hallmark of Christian life. While the physical act of smiling is not explicitly mentioned, the attitudes and actions that produce smiles are encouraged. For example, in Ephesians 4:32 , believers are instructed to "be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Such kindness and compassion naturally lead to expressions of warmth and joy, often manifested in a smile.

Heavenly Joy

The Bible also speaks of the joy that awaits believers in heaven, a joy that can be anticipated and reflected in the present life. In Revelation 21:4 , it is written, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." The absence of sorrow and the presence of eternal joy suggest a future where smiles are perpetual, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

In summary, while the Bible does not frequently mention smiling directly, the themes of joy, favor, love, and heavenly bliss are intricately connected to the concept. Smiling, as an expression of these divine and relational truths, is a natural response to the grace and goodness of God.(imp. & p. p.) of Smile.7832. sachaq -- to laugh
... laughed them to scorn (1), laughs (6), merrymakers (2), mock (1), mocked (1), play
(2), played (1), playing (1), rejoicing (2), scorns (1), smiled (1), smiles ...
/hebrew/7832.htm - 6k

At Dilligen
... It is only a little way, after all," he said, smiling as he always smiled. ... He rolled
up his sleeves, smiled at the brother, and waited orders. ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter xi at dilligen.htm

The False Prophet
... this place?". He swung his foot idly and smiled. "I ... empty-handed.". He smiled
at her radiantly and went at once to his chambers. When ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xix the false prophet.htm

The Spread Net
... Amaryllis smiled thoughtfully at the girl, while the light of sudden intent appeared
on her face. ... "Ah, how hard you are to accommodate," Amaryllis smiled. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvi the spread net.htm

The House of Offense
... He sat down on one of the stone seats and smiled at her. ... He smiled and let
his lazy glance slip over her, but he made no response. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter xi the house of.htm

God, the All-Seeing One
... You have often smiled at the ignorance of heathens who bow themselves before
gods of wood and stone. You have quoted the words of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/god the all-seeing one.htm

God, the All-Seeing One
... YOU HAVE OFTEN smiled at the ignorance of heathens who bow themselves before
gods of wood and stone. You have quoted the words of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/god the all-seeing one.htm

"Won by a Smile. "
... family were won by a smile." "Why," said I, "how's that?" "Well," said he, "as I
was walking down a street one day I saw a child at a window; it smiled, and I ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/won by a smile.htm

That These Things Cannot have Been Spoken of a Mere Man: and that ...
... with smiles thy mother know,. Who ten long months did with thy burden go. No mortal
parents smiled upon thy birth: ... How could his parents have smiled on him? ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxi that these things cannot.htm

Saint Maura. AD 304
... Come to thy bride-bed, martyr, wife once more!' From that same moment all my pain
was gone; And ever since those sightless eyes have smiled Love"love! ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/saint maura a d 304.htm

The First Day his Father Resumed his Work, Diamond Went with Him ...
... He went up to her. She smiled. He ... "Nanny, do you know me?" said Diamond.
She only smiled again, as if the question was amusing. She ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 27 the first day.htm

Smiled (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Smiled (1 Occurrence). Job 29:24 I smiled on them when
they had no confidence. They didn't reject the light of my face. ...
/s/smiled.htm - 6k

Smile (4 Occurrences)

/s/smile.htm - 8k

Scarcely (14 Occurrences)
... hunting. (WBS RSV NIV). Job 29:24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence.
They didn't reject the light of my face. (See NIV). ...
/s/scarcely.htm - 10k

Smiles (1 Occurrence)

/s/smiles.htm - 6k

Hellenism
... as charged with a sublime mission, in striking contrast with the Hebrew prophets
who voiced the thunders of Sinai, but never by any chance smiled at their own ...
/h/hellenism.htm - 26k

Hellenist
... as charged with a sublime mission, in striking contrast with the Hebrew prophets
who voiced the thunders of Sinai, but never by any chance smiled at their own ...
/h/hellenist.htm - 26k

Reject (56 Occurrences)
... the wicked? (See NAS). Job 29:24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence.
They didn't reject the light of my face. (WEB). Job ...
/r/reject.htm - 21k

Confidence (103 Occurrences)
... their ways. (YLT). Job 29:24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence.
They didn't reject the light of my face. (WEB ASV RSV). Job ...
/c/confidence.htm - 39k

Precious (128 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Job 29:24 I smiled on them when they
had no confidence. They didn't reject the light of my face. (See NIV). ...
/p/precious.htm - 71k

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