BIBLE SENSE FOR SOUND HEALTH

“Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me UNDERSTANDING, that I may learn Your commandments” – Psalm 119:73

God wants His children to gain adequate understanding and BIBLE SENSE for SOUND HEALTH: “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me UNDERSTANDING, that I may learn Your commandments” (Psa.119:73). The Living Bible version says: “You made my body, Lord; now give me SENSE to heed your laws.” We have emphasized the spiritual roots of sicknesses. However, there are natural causes, the awareness and understanding of which could enhance our health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has focused on breaking “the vicious cycle of poverty, ignorance, and disease.” The inference is that most infectious diseases that plague developing countries are associated with poverty and ignorance.

At the societal level, rather than merely treating symptoms, it is wise to address the underlying drivers of diseases such as crowded, unsanitary living conditions, lack of clean water, failure to properly dispose of human waste and garbage, and lack of protection against disease-bearing insects. People living in poverty and cash-strapped governments simply may not have access to, or cannot provide health-promoting means such as habitable housing, potable water, window screens, and mosquito nets. Ignorance also plays a critical role. People in poor rural areas are often ignorant of disease transmitting media; the dangers of uncontrolled sexual activity and street drugs; and preventive measures against the spread of disease.

Among the rich, the causes of sicknesses border more on behavioural and lifestyle factors. Many know what to do to avoid becoming sick, yet do not act accordingly. People smoke in spite of warnings that smoking causes cancer. Many consume damaging diets in spite of warnings about heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Many know that hands should be washed carefully after urinating or defecating and before preparing or eating food, but are simply careless. Changing behaviour is a major challenge in the battle against disease. The Bible highlights the importance of healthy behaviour. It is remarkable what God has revealed in Scripture as instructions and powerful tools designed to prevent disease and promote health.

God gave highly beneficial dietary regulations to Israel, including reference to clean and unclean animals (Lev.11; Deut.14). These were not mere ceremonial rituals, but are consistent with sound microbiological techniques in fighting infectious disease, and are the basis of medically sound quarantine procedures. Priests were like public health educators in addition to their religious role. Interestingly, the current rules to protect against COVID-19 are embedded in the Bible, namely: washing of hands and feet (Exo.30:19-21); social distancing and use of masks – the need to cover the mouth and avoid contact; and quarantine – the infected was to remain in quarantine from 7 to 14 days (Lev.13:4-5, 46). Certain diseases were prevented by not eating “unclean” foods – which was a cheaper and more effective way than treating disease.

Biblical admonitions also include avoiding contact with dead animals or with whatever has touched them; and with personal items of sick people that could spread germs (Lev.11:32-40; 13:47-59). Leviticus 15 acknowledges that body fluids – human waste materials, nasal discharges, tears, saliva or soiled linen – can be vehicles for transmitting disease. Those coming into contact with fluids from a sick person had to wash their hands and clothes in water, bathe, and remain isolated from other people until evening as a precaution against spreading disease (Lev.15:11). People were to bathe after having sexual relations (Lev.15:18). Human wastes were to be deposited outside the living area and buried (Deut.23:12-14). This prevents wastes from coming in contact with people, flies and other disease-bearing organisms, and contamination of water supplies.

Scriptures also take a strong stand against adultery, fornication, homosexuality and other unrestricted and unhealthy sexual activities (Lev. 18; 20: 10-13). "Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding" (Pro.6:32); and sexually promiscuous people sin against their own bodies (1Cor.6:16-18).

The clear thrust of many biblical principles is to prevent sicknesses before they arise: “a prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished” (Pro.22:3). An “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”! That is why God’s Word promotes healthy behaviour – to prevent sickness and model the Perfection of Health (Deut.4:5-8).