What does it mean that turning away from evil will be healing to the flesh?
Help me understand this verse. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:8
ESV - 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
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Tim Maas
Supporter
In my opinion, this verse is indicating that fearing God, acknowledging Him, and turning away from evil will benefit the person who does it -- if not materially or temporally, then spiritually and eternally. I do not see the verse as meant to convey a promised link between doing so and experiencing greater physical health or relief (although that is certainly within God's capability to grant). I view the wording as similar to other passages in Proverbs where Solomon refers (for example) to a wife who brings shame to her husband as being like rottenness in his bones (Proverbs 12:4), or where he speaks of envy as rotting a person's bones (Proverbs 14:30). He is not necessarily speaking of actual physical affliction, but saying that the effect on the person's feelings or overall sense of well-being will be similar.
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