Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:30, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
American Standard Version
A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; But envy is the rottenness of the bones.
World English Bible version
The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 Meaning & Commentary
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. – Proverbs 14:30 (ESV)
This is an interesting verse here, and it proves something that science only caught up with much later as well. What happens in our hearts and mind affects our physical bodies. It is estimated, and now widely accepted by many people, that many physical sicknesses are due to our mental or emotional state. It is now thought that up to 90% of all sicknesses and diseases could be related to stress!
Whether it be depression, anxiety, or other negative emotions – these can cause physical illness in our bodies. We have all undoubtedly wrestled with negative emotions and would likely have even experienced the effects of it. For example, when we are angry, frustrated, or upset, we feel tense, and our feelings and emotions begin to “manifest” in our physical bodies. Perhaps we clench our fists, develop a headache, or walk differently. The point is that emotions and powerful and can control our lives and our physical bodies.
This verse in Proverbs 14:30 compares a tranquil heart and envy. These are two very different, contrasting emotions. Tranquillity speaks of peacefulness, contentment, and joy. Envy, however, is very much the opposite of that. An envious person is not content, has no peace or joy, and lives in a constant state of “unfulfillment,” desiring what someone else has.
This verse says, “a tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,” meaning that someone whose heart is tranquil and who is at peace with God, themselves, and others is much more likely to live a healthy life. On the other hand, someone whose heart is envious is out of alignment with God, themselves, and others, as they feel they should have what other people have! Because this person is harboring this toxic emotion, it has a resultant effect and impact on their bodies.
As The Bible says, it makes “the bones rot” – negatively affects the person’s life in every way, even in their bodies, even right down into their bones! Science is finally catching up to The Word of God and proving that negative emotions harm our physical bodies!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:30 to our lives?
A healthy “heart” goes a long way to a healthy life – in all respects, our relationship with God, with ourselves. So, we must do all to protect ourselves and guard our hearts: Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. This is why The Bible encourages us to “keep” our heart – another translation says to “guard our heart.” This means that we need to watch what we allow into our hearts.
The way this works is that we control our thought lives because the thoughts we receive, entertain, or allow into our hearts will shape our lives. This is why The Bible tells us to take our thoughts captive: 2 Corinthians 10:5 – We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
When a thought enters our mind, we can either entertain that thought and allow it to settle in our hearts or reject it before it takes root in our “heart.” When we allow and entertain evil thoughts in our minds, they can take root in our hearts, and this is when we are in danger of corrupting lives: Acts 5:3 – But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land”?
The Bible says that bitterness “defiles” a person. This is more scriptural evidence of how a negative emotion can defile our lives. This defilement can affect many areas of our lives – our heart, our spirit, but even our physical body: Hebrews 12:15 – See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. We must reject every thought contrary to God’s Word and bring it captive to obey Jesus Christ!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you that Your Word says You will never leave or forsake me. I know that your love for me is great, and your mercies are new each morning.
I thank You for what I do have in life and that You are more than enough. Please forgive me, where I have harbored negative thoughts and emotions in my mind and heart. I choose right now to forgive anyone who has wronged me. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
