Proverbs 14:30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
Original Language Analysis
חַיֵּ֣י
is the life
H2416
חַיֵּ֣י
is the life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
1 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
בְ֭שָׂרִים
of the flesh
H1320
בְ֭שָׂרִים
of the flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
2 of 7
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
לֵ֣ב
heart
H3820
לֵ֣ב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
מַרְפֵּ֑א
A sound
H4832
מַרְפֵּ֑א
A sound
Strong's:
H4832
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, curative, i.e., literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity
Cross References
Proverbs 17:22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.Job 5:2For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.Proverbs 12:4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.Proverbs 3:8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.Proverbs 4:23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Psalms 112:10The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.Psalms 119:80Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.Romans 1:29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Historical Context
Ancient medicine recognized connections between emotional/spiritual state and physical health. Biblical wisdom predated modern research confirming these mind-body links.
Questions for Reflection
- How do spiritual conditions like envy or peace affect your physical wellbeing?
- What sinful attitudes might be contributing to stress or illness in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Sound heart promotes bodily health, while envy rots bones. This psychosomatic insight shows sin's physical effects—mental and spiritual corruption manifest in bodily disease. Conversely, righteousness conduces to holistic flourishing, anticipating redemption's full healing of body and soul.