Proverbs 14:30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh:
But envy the rottenness of the bones.
The word ‘sound’ is very generic, but again the contrast properties of these proverbs reveal the original intent of the author. In this case, the word ‘sound’ contrasts with the word ‘envy’. Further etymological research also show that the Hebrew roots for the word ‘sound’ come the words ‘healing; health’, and that the Hebrew word ‘envy’ comes from the words ‘jealous; jealousy’. A ‘raw’ literal reading of this proverb then teaches us that jealousy and envy causes sickness, and that health is to get rid of our spirit of envy.
Maybe this is why the last of the ten basic commandments the Father gave to Moses to pass on to the people warns us about covetousness. Actually, it seems that the root of breaking the nine others stems from covetousness, envy and jealousy, so it is a good closing.
If we look at it, we acknowledge other Gods because they entice us with the things God in his wisdom keeps away from us. We then bow to them in thanks and honor them with images. We refrain from keeping the Sabbath because we either want to keep making money or do our own lucrative pleasure. The inherent meaning of ‘honor your mother and father’ is to financially support them, especially in their old age. In this day and age, it cramps our lifestyle and keeps us from making enough money to live with the necessities of the 21st century. We kill to take what belongs to another. We commit adultery and steal because we want what we don’t have or what the neighbor has. And finally, we lie when it is to our advantage. No wonder we are not only morally sick, but also psychologically and physically.
Many illnesses such as asthma, stomach ulcers and depression are psychosomatic. They are cuased by an internal mental or spiritual condition. The good news is that a return to a proper mental and spiritual attitude has the reverse effect. Our same author proclaims,
A sound heart is the life of the flesh:
But envy the rottenness of the bones.
The word ‘sound’ is very generic, but again the contrast properties of these proverbs reveal the original intent of the author. In this case, the word ‘sound’ contrasts with the word ‘envy’. Further etymological research also show that the Hebrew roots for the word ‘sound’ come the words ‘healing; health’, and that the Hebrew word ‘envy’ comes from the words ‘jealous; jealousy’. A ‘raw’ literal reading of this proverb then teaches us that jealousy and envy causes sickness, and that health is to get rid of our spirit of envy.
Maybe this is why the last of the ten basic commandments the Father gave to Moses to pass on to the people warns us about covetousness. Actually, it seems that the root of breaking the nine others stems from covetousness, envy and jealousy, so it is a good closing.
If we look at it, we acknowledge other Gods because they entice us with the things God in his wisdom keeps away from us. We then bow to them in thanks and honor them with images. We refrain from keeping the Sabbath because we either want to keep making money or do our own lucrative pleasure. The inherent meaning of ‘honor your mother and father’ is to financially support them, especially in their old age. In this day and age, it cramps our lifestyle and keeps us from making enough money to live with the necessities of the 21st century. We kill to take what belongs to another. We commit adultery and steal because we want what we don’t have or what the neighbor has. And finally, we lie when it is to our advantage. No wonder we are not only morally sick, but also psychologically and physically.
Many illnesses such as asthma, stomach ulcers and depression are psychosomatic. They are cuased by an internal mental or spiritual condition. The good news is that a return to a proper mental and spiritual attitude has the reverse effect. Our same author proclaims,
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear Adonai, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Proverbs 3:7-8
May we live healthy as we respect the health advice given to by the greatest Physician of all, the very One who created every single intricate cell of our body and of the universe. He knows how it all works.
May we live healthy as we respect the health advice given to by the greatest Physician of all, the very One who created every single intricate cell of our body and of the universe. He knows how it all works.
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