LIGHT FOR A HEALTHY LIFE (2)

“It will be HEALTH to your FLESH, and STRENGTH to your BONES” – Proverbs 3:8

Obedience to the Word of God guarantees LIGHT for a HEALTHY LIFE: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be HEALTH to your FLESH, and STRENGTH to your BONES” (Pro.3:5-8). These verses present action points that ensure that we enjoy healing in our bodies and refreshment to our bones: Trusting God totally; acknowledging Him absolutely; and allowing His fear to direct our decisions and actions. To walk in Wisdom, Understanding, and the Fear of God is beneficial to overall health and well-being.

Observing regular medical checks and using medicines should complement not being wise in our own eyes, having God’s reverential fear, and turning away from evil. The Word of God is unequivocal in its bold affirmations that there is much to gain from walking in wisdom and the fear of God! Other versions of Proverbs 3:8 read: “This will bring HEALTH to your BODY and NOURISHMENT to your BONES” (New International Version); “It will be HEALING to your FLESH and REFRESHMENT to your BONES” (English Standard Version); “Then your BODY with be HEALTHY and your BONES STRENGTHENED” (Common English Bible); “It will be HEALTH to your BODY [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles – all your inner parts] and REFRESHMENT (physical well-being) to your BONES” (Amplified)

God desires healing and health of our bodies, and nourishment of our bones. Shalom in our body or bones, is however hinged on peace in the heart: “A SOUND HEART is life to the body, but envy is ROTTENNESS to the BONES” (Pro.14:30). Also, “A MERRY HEART does good, like MEDICINE, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (Pro.17:22). No wonder, the wiseman wrote: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Pro.4:23). In contrast, sin is devastating to mental and physical well-being. For example, when David veered into sin, he groaned under the weight of guilt and shame. He spoke of how his bones were drying up and his health was failing: “For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my BONES WASTE AWAY” (Psa.31:10).

God's Wisdom always yields amazing results when we choose to walk in it rather than in foolish stubbornness of our own hearts. We would enjoy excellent health in our bodies and refreshment in our bones when we follow God’s counsel. The Old Testament Law presents a holistic system for good hygiene, proper nutritional and positive sexual habits, which if observed, would deliver us from disease, to live in optimal health. There is a prime place for Bible Sense for Sound Health. God’s Word promotes healthy behaviour, prevents sickness and models Light for Healthy Living (Dt.4:5-8).