在2022年世界盃足球賽的總決賽中，法國對上阿根廷，許多人稱這場傳奇的比賽為「世界盃史上最偉大的比賽」。延長賽結束時，比數定格在3比3，於是，兩隊進入PK賽（互射點球）。在阿根廷隊成功射入致勝的一球後，舉國歡騰，上百萬的阿根廷民眾湧入首都布宜諾斯艾利斯市中心。這喧鬧、快樂的景象由無人機拍攝下來，社群網站也不斷地轉發。一位英國廣播公司（BBC）記者描述，整座城市都沉浸在這興奮歡樂的情緒之中。

喜樂固然是一份美妙的禮物。不過，箴言提到一種更深刻、存留更久的喜樂，說：「義人享福，合城喜樂」（11章10節），這描述了一座城和一群人如何經歷了喜樂。當那些按照上帝的心意而活的人開始影響社區時，那顯然是個好消息，代表上帝的公義開始彰顯。貪婪的事減少；貧乏人得到扶持；受壓迫的人得到保護。只要有更多人按上帝的心意而活，合城就有喜樂和「祝福」（11節）。

若我們真心按上帝的心意而活，那麼結果對每一個人來說都將是好消息。我們的生活方式將使所在的社區變得更好、更健全。上帝邀請我們與祂同工，與祂一起使這個世界得到醫治。祂邀請我們為整個城市帶來喜樂。

When France and Argentina met in the 2022 World Cup final, it was an incredible contest that many dubbed the “greatest World Cup match in history.” As the final seconds ticked off in extra time, the score was tied 3-3, sending the soccer teams to penalty kicks. After Argentina made the winning goal, the nation erupted in celebration. More than a million Argentineans overwhelmed downtown Buenos Aires. Drone footage spread across social media showing this raucous, happy scene. One BBC report described how the city quaked with “an explosion of joy.”

Joy is always a wonderful gift. Proverbs, though, describes how a city, a people, can experience joy that goes even deeper and lasts far longer. “When the righteous prosper,” Proverbs says, “the city rejoices” (11:10). When those who truly live by God’s designs for humanity begin to influence a community, then this signals good news because it means God’s justice is taking hold. Greed diminishes. The poor find support. The oppressed are protected. Whenever God’s right way of living flourishes, then there’s joy and “blessing” in the city (v. 11).

If we’re genuinely living out God’s ways, then the result will be good news for everyone. The way we live will make the community around us better and more whole. God invites us to be part of His work to heal the world. He invites us to bring joy to the city.