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A SOUND HEART
THURSDAY, APRIL 8
Proverbs 14:30

Proverbs 3:1-8

 

“A sound heart

is the life of the flesh…”

 

A SOUND HEART
 
The word “sound” in Proverbs 14:30 refers to health or healing. Here the soundness of a heart describes not biological but spiritual health: a sound heart is one that has its spiritual crisis remediated. This remedy, of course, can come only from the Lord (cf. Jer 33:6); yet we can deprive ourselves of it, when we refuse to hearken to Him. Thus Solomon elsewhere warns that the one who “being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Prov 29:1; the word for “remedy” is the same as that which is translated “sound” in our text).
 
A sound heart, then, is a heart not obstinate in pursuing its own sinful ways, but mindful of God’s Word and obedient to His reproofs. And the consequence of possessing such a heart is described here ‒ somewhat surprisingly, perhaps ‒ as “the life of the flesh.” A sound heart brings life, not only to the soul, but even to the flesh! The spiritual repair of the sin-scarred heart, effected by humble obedience to God’s Word, leads to the well-being of the whole person.
 
Conversely, “envy” is revealed to be “the rottenness of the bones.” The word “envy” signifies strong desire and determination. It may be used in a good sense, as indicating one’s zeal for the Lord (cf. Ps 69:9); here, evidently, it describes a desire directed not towards the Lord but towards the self. Such selfish and stubborn desires, which refuse the yoke of divine law, are the source of a deep-seated and far-ranging decay: corrupting a man from the inside out, even to his very bones.
 
So many these days are searching for the secret of long life ‒ so many are turning to methods exotic and esoteric to promote their health and “wellness.” But, dear reader, will you receive God’s instruction in the matter? If you would have health and long life, you must look to your heart. A heart cured of obstinacy will bring health to the whole man; a heart inured to self-will leads to death. If you will but obey the law of God from the heart, you will find that it adds to you “length of days, and long life, and peace” (Prov 3:2).
 
THOUGHT: Is my heart healthy?

PRAYER: Father, I submit all the desires of my heart to Thee.

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