The Bible has much to say about our health, but it has more to say about the effects of sin on us than our diet.    Envy will destroy your health.

The Bible says, “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones”.   (Proverbs 14:30)    The word “sound” means “being cured by a medical treatment”.   It has the idea of a healing agent or a remedy that has made one healthy and sound.

Our health is related to the condition of our bones.   Inside our bones is where marrow and white blood cells are produced.   The white blood cells which fight infection are related to the health of the marrow.   God says that jealousy rots the bones.

The word “rottenness” means “to decay, deteriorate or decline”.   Envy affects your health, both directly and indirectly.   On the other hand, a “sound heart” brings healing and health.   One of the ways we experience healing is through the kind and wise words of others.

The Bible records, “…the tongue of the wise is health”.(Proverbs 12:18)     The word “health” has the idea of a healing quality.   The words others speak have a healing effect – if they do not come from a jealous, envious heart.

Some would scoff at this, but I believe God created our bodies and as our Designer has given us ways to experience better health found in His Word.    Part of that according to the above text is being the recipient of wise, appropriate words.    Perhaps one reason you struggle with your mental and physical health is because of the people with whom you associate.

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones”.   (Proverbs 16:24).   Again, the words we hear (“pleasant words”) are associated with the health of our bones.   Healthy bones produce healthy antibodies and white blood cells which fight infection.     Be around those that are pleasant with their words and speak them yourself.   It will improve your health.   So says God, the designer of the human body.

Another text  with the same truth – “…a good report maketh the bones fat”.   (Proverbs 15:30)   However, the opposite is also true.   Certain words and thoughts are detrimental to your health.

Aubrey with Dave Sekura, one of my kid’s heroes and my dear friend.

When we have a heart of envy (or are around those that are envious) it affects our health negatively.    No diet or exercise plan can take the place of a heart that rejoices in the blessings of others and is absent of envy.

Love removes the need to be envious and allows your bones to be healthy.    An envious person is not a joyful person.   A content man rejoices in the blessings of others rather than resents them.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones”.   (Proverbs 17:22)   Love removes the desire to impress others with your status in life.  If you aren’t thinking about yourself then you aren’t scheming to make yourself look better.  There is no need to be desirous of what others have when you are grateful for what you have.

Joy is like medicine to your body.   Sorrow and envy are like poison to your body.   This is why the Bible states that envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30).

Genuine love “…is not envious”.   (I Corinthians 13:4)     Whoever you are envious of, you do not love.   Love will improve your health; jealousy and envy will weaken your health.

I read a story about a town in Greece that had built a statue in honor of one of their citizens that was a celebrated athlete.  One of his rivals was so envious of this man being honored that he began to go out in the wee hours to destroy the monument.   One night, after repeated attempts to bring it down had loosened it’s moorings, the large and heavy statue suddenly fell from it’s pedestal….and it crushed to death the man that was trying to destroy it.

Are you jealous of someone?    Whether you realize it or not, it will ultimately destroy you.  Love is better than envy.    It will not destroy your health, but bring joy to you and good for those with whom you associate.