Remember that the Proverbs give us wisdom. One specific area of wisdom is a right understanding of human nature. Hell and destruction (the grave and the place of the departed) are here personified. They never declare, “Enough! We are content!” Rather, people just keep dying! Every day, human beings pass away by the thousands. The gates of death are not shut, but remain wide open craving more and more.

In like manner, the human heart is a factory of discontent. The rich are not content with their riches nor the poor with their lack of wealth. The tall want to be short; the short want to be tall. One doughnut is not enough; 3 are better! God’s good and legitimate gifts can quickly be abused in an illegitimate fashion. There is always something out there we seek. Something bigger, something more exciting or something calmer, a desire for a new thing, a wish that one could have an old thing. It goes on and on. Our sinful natures, that are attracted to things that directly violate God’s law, are never content. The more the sinful nature is indulged, the more it wants.

The good news of the gospel declares that Christ has come to save sinners from being slaves to things that can never satisfy. When God enters the hearts of sinners in the great work of salvation, He gives us Himself. And He is the only One who can satisfy the soul. Jesus is the fountain of living water that quenches the thirst of the soul (John 4), and He is the bread of life (John 6) that that “satisfies the longing soul” (Psalm107:9). David, in Psalm 63:5, spoke of soul satisfaction in God that produces joyful praise.

How is it with you? Are you indulging sins that give you some temporary pleasure or comfort? Repent of them and seek to fill your soul with the word of God and the joy of Jesus. Are you misusing and abusing some of God’s good gifts? In other words-rich blessings of God like family, work, hobbies, food-are meant to be enjoyed as His good gift, but not as a replacement for Him. You don’t have to engage in a frustrating search: Christ is the source of lasting satisfaction. Seek Him with your whole heart!