How can "envy" rot one’s bones? (Proverbs 14:30)
30
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones (NIV).
Proverbs 14:30
ESV - 30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
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Asked February 19 2021
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
First, I would say that the beginning of the cited verse is meant to be a contrast to the effects of envy. A heart at peace is used as a symbol for the multitude of beneficial physical and psychological effects that can result from having peace and contentment in one's life In the second part of the verse, the bones are used as another metaphor for life itself. Spending all of one's time and energy being consumed only by thoughts of what one doesn't currently possess, or of things that others possess that one doesn't have but wants, "rots" one's life by taking away any opportunity for enjoying the present, and benefitting from the blessings and gifts from God that we DO possess. The central problem is not even the actual objects of our envy, but the orientation of our mind and thoughts. That is what needs to be addressed and corrected, rather than the never-ending acquisition of more and more "stuff" in the never-fulfilled hope that it will make us happy.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Proverbs 14:30 NIV says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Envy gives us stress, disrupts our sleep, distorts our thinking, and upsets our digestion (not literally, rotting our bones, though). “A heart at peace” gives us physical and mental energy, it gives us stronger muscles and bones, helps us sleep better, reduces fatigue, depression, and anxiety, fights heart disease, and generally gives us a longer, healthier life.“
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