In the Bible, the concept of smiling is not frequently mentioned explicitly, yet the underlying themes of joy, contentment, and divine favor often imply the presence of smiles. Smiles, as an expression of inner joy and peace, can be seen as a reflection of the heart's condition, often associated with the blessings and presence of God.

Joy and Contentment

The Bible frequently speaks of joy and contentment, which naturally lead to smiling. In Proverbs 15:13, it is written, "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but with a heartache comes depression." This verse suggests that a heart filled with joy will naturally manifest in a cheerful countenance, which can be understood as a smile. The joy of the Lord is a recurring theme, as seen in Nehemiah 8:10, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." This joy, stemming from a relationship with God, often results in a visible expression of happiness.

Divine Favor and Blessing

Smiles can also be seen as a sign of divine favor and blessing. In the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26, the Lord's countenance is mentioned: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." The imagery of God's face shining upon His people can be likened to a divine smile, symbolizing approval, grace, and peace.

Expressions of Love and Fellowship

Smiles are often associated with love and fellowship among believers. The New Testament encourages believers to express love and unity, which naturally leads to joyful interactions. In Philippians 4:4, Paul exhorts, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This rejoicing is often shared in community, where smiles and laughter are common expressions of mutual love and encouragement.

Hope and Assurance

The hope and assurance found in Christ also lead to a joyful demeanor. Romans 15:13 states, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This overflowing hope and joy, given by the Holy Spirit, can be seen in the smiles of those who trust in God's promises.

Conclusion

While the Bible may not frequently mention smiles directly, the themes of joy, divine favor, love, and hope provide a foundation for understanding the spiritual significance of smiling. As an outward expression of an inward reality, smiles in the biblical context reflect a heart aligned with God's will and filled with His joy and peace.7832. sachaq -- to laugh
... to scorn (1), laughs (6), merrymakers (2), mock (1), mocked (1), play (2), played
(1), playing (1), rejoicing (2), scorns (1), smiled (1), smiles (1), sport (1 ...
/hebrew/7832.htm - 6k

The Longbeards' Saga. AD 400
... Smiles out each morning thence Odin Allfather; From under the cloud-eaves Smiles
out on the heroes, Smiles on chaste housewives all, Smiles on the brood-mares ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the longbeards saga a d 400.htm

Timeliness in Doing Good.
... Hast thou sunlit smiles to give, Smiles that make us want to live? Ere I cross
death's sullen stream, On me let those bright smiles beam. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/timeliness in doing good.htm

What the Flowers Say.
... Someone says that God smiles on the earth, and that the earth smiles back again
with its flowers. Is not that a pretty thought, children ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lxi what the flowers.htm

Cradle Song
... Thou His image ever see [184] ,. Heavenly face that smiles on thee! Smiles on thee,
on me, on all,. Who became an Infant small; Infant smiles like His own smile ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/ccxxxv cradle song.htm

The Capture of Chrysostom
... A little before they reached the Roman Gate Asterius met them, all smiles
and complaisance. ... Asterius seemed still to be lost in smiles. ...
/.../chapter xv the capture of.htm

The First Season
... I. The first season. is the time of prosperity, when Providence smiles
upon us. Now, Christian, keep thy heart with all diligence ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/i the first season.htm

The Night of the Soul
... He smiles on it, and this favour also comes through you, dear Mother, but far from
doing it harm, those smiles make the Little Flower grow in a wondrous way. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter ix the night of.htm

the Night of the Soul
... He smiles on it, and this favour also comes through you, dear Mother, but far from
doing it harm, those smiles make the Little Flower grow in a wondrous way. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter ix - the night.htm

The Course and Crown of a Devout Life
... ages. How brief and uniform may be the records of lives of striving and
tears and smiles and love that stretched through centuries! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the course and crown of.htm

Pardon Brought in Our Senses.
... 4 [He smiles and cheers my mournful heart And tells of all his pain, "All this,"
says he, "I bore for thee;" And then he smiles again.]. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 3 11 pardon brought in.htm

Smiles (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Smiles (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 31:25 Strength and
self-respect are her clothing; she is facing the future with a smile. (See NAS). ...
/s/smiles.htm - 6k

Smile (4 Occurrences)
... 9. (vi) Favor; countenance; propitious ness; as, the smiles of Providence.
10. (vi) Gay or joyous appearance; as, the smiles of spring. ...
/s/smile.htm - 8k

Ray (2 Occurrences)
... 12. (n.) To mark with long lines; to streak. 13. (n.) To send forth or shoot out;
to cause to shine out; as, to ray smiles. 14. (vi) To shine, as with rays. ...
/r/ray.htm - 8k

Smiled (1 Occurrence)

/s/smiled.htm - 6k

Smite (230 Occurrences)

/s/smite.htm - 39k

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