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Proverbs 14:30
Verse
Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
30 A quiet heart is the life of the body, But covetousness is rottenness in the bones. Heart, soul, flesh, is the O.T. trichotomy, Psa 84:3; Psa 16:9; the heart is the innermost region of the life, where all the rays of the bodily and the soul-life concentrate, and whence they again unfold themselves. The state of the heart, i.e., of the central, spiritual, soul-inwardness of the man, exerts therefore on all sides a constraining influence on the bodily life, in the relation to the heart the surrounding life. Regarding לב מרפּא, vid., at Pro 12:18. Thus is styled the quiet heart, which in its symmetrical harmony is like a calm and clear water-mirror, neither interrupted by the affections, nor broken through or secretly stirred by passion. By the close connection in which the corporeal life of man stands to the moral-religious determination of his intellectual and mediately his soul-life - this threefold life is as that of one personality, essentially one - the body has in such quiet of spirit the best means of preserving the life which furthers the well-being, and co-operates to the calming of all its disquietude; on the contrary, passion, whether it rage or move itself in stillness, is like the disease in the bones (Pro 12:4), which works onward till it breaks asunder the framework of the body, and with it the life of the body. The plur. בּשׂרים occurs only here; Bttcher, 695, says that it denotes the whole body; but בּשׂר also does not denote the half, בשׂרים is the surrogate of an abstr.: the body, i.e., the bodily life in the totality of its functions, and in the entire manifoldness of its relations. Ewald translates bodies, but בשׂר signifies not the body, but its material, the animated matter; rather cf. the Arab. âbshâr, "corporeal, human nature," but which (leaving out of view that this plur. belongs to a later period of the language) has the parallelism against it. Regarding קנאה (jealousy, zeal, envy, anger) Schultens is right: affectus inflammans aestuque indignationis fervidus, from קנא, Arab. ḳanâ, to be high red.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A sound heart--both literally and figuratively, a source of health; in the latter sense, opposed to the known effect of evil passions on health.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A sound heart is the life of the flesh,.... A heart made so by the grace of God, in which are sound principles of truth, righteousness, and holiness; these preserve from sin, and so from many diseases; whereby the life of the flesh or body is kept safe and sound, or that is kept in health and vigour; or a "quiet heart" (h); a heart free from wrath, anger, and envy, and such like passions and perturbations; this contributes much to the health of the body, and the comfort of life: or a "healing heart", or "spirit" (i); that is humane, kind, and friendly; that pities and heals the distresses of others, and makes up differences between persons at variance: such an one is "the life of fleshes" (k), as in the original text; or of men, of the same flesh and blood; the life of others, as well as of his own flesh; such an one contributes to the comfortable living of others as well as of himself; but envy the rottenness of the bones; a man that envies the happiness and prosperity of others, this preys upon his own spirits, and not only wastes his flesh, but weakens and consumes the stronger parts of his body, the bones; it is as a "moth" within him, as the Arabic version: the Targum is, "as rottenness in wood, so is envy in the bones;'' hence Ovid (l) calls it "livor edax", and so Martial (m). (h) "cor leve", Baynus; "cor lene", Mercerus; "cor lenitatis", Gejerus, so Ben Melech. (i) "Animus sanans", Junius & Tremellius, so the Tigurine version; "sanator", Gussetius, p. 800. (k) "vitae carnium", Montanus; "vita carnium", V. L. Pagninus, Michaelis. (l) Amorum, l. 1. Eleg. 15. v. 1. & de Remed. Amor. l. 1. in fine. (m) Epigr. l. 11. Ep. 21.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The foregoing verse showed how much our reputation, this how much our health, depends on the good government of our passions and the preserving of the temper of the mind. 1. A healing spirit, made up of love and meekness, a hearty, friendly, cheerful disposition, is the life of the flesh; it contributes to a good constitution of body; people grow fat with good humour. 2. A fretful, envious, discontented spirit, is its own punishment; it consumes the flesh, preys upon the animal spirits, makes the countenance pale, and is the rottenness of the bones. Those that see the prosperity of others and are grieved, let them gnash with their teeth and melt away, Psa 112:10. Rumpatur, quisquis rumpitur invidia. Whoever bursts for envy, let him burst.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:30 A peaceful heart has resolved its inner tensions. Freedom from jealousy is beneficial to physical health.
Proverbs 14:30
The Wise Woman
29A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. 30A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord
By David Wilkerson5.5K54:20PSA 16:7PRO 14:30PRO 27:4MAT 6:33EPH 4:26COL 3:8JAS 1:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit to give him power whenever these negative emotions try to rise up within him. The preacher then discusses the story of David and his reaction to a devastating crisis in which his town, Ziklag, was destroyed. Despite the loss and despair, David did not allow bitterness to consume him, unlike Saul who was filled with fear when facing a massive army. The sermon concludes with a call for people to be delivered from bitterness and to live in the fear of the Lord.
Revival (Alternative Version)
By Leonard Ravenhill2.4K1:21:02RevivalGEN 2:7PRO 14:30MAT 1:18JHN 1:14ACT 7:92CO 12:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the brutal treatment of slaves in the past, highlighting the inhumane conditions they endured. He emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in bringing life and vitality to the preaching of the word of God. The preacher also reflects on the seriousness of living in the present time and the purpose of human existence. He emphasizes that as believers, our purpose is not just to know and speak truth, but to spread life and bring joy to others. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the significance of the virgin birth of Jesus and the uniqueness of his identity as the Son of God.
Enlarging Our Hearts - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:11JOB 1:8PRO 14:30MAT 5:3LUK 15:171CO 13:4PHP 2:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of being 'poor in spirit,' acknowledging our neediness before God without comparing ourselves to others. It warns against jealousy, narrow-heartedness, and the destructive nature of criticizing others. The message encourages developing a large heart, not just for personal benefit but also to glorify God, moving beyond selfish motivations to spiritual maturity.
Preserving Unity
By Alan Martin1.1K00:00UnityPRO 14:30PRO 17:1ISA 32:17EPH 4:1PHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of preserving the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. He emphasizes that unity is not something that needs to be created, but rather something that already exists and needs to be preserved. The speaker highlights that Christ has created one church, one faith, one Lord, and one baptism, but it is the actions of men that have caused division. He encourages the listeners to find their security in Christ and to receive others, even those who may believe differently, without feeling threatened.
The Root Cause of Anxiety
By Shane Idleman93653:41PRO 14:30MAT 6:33ROM 8:5ROM 12:22CO 10:5PHP 4:8This sermon delves into the root cause of anxiety and fear, emphasizing the importance of seeking God first. It highlights how worry stems from stress and external factors, leading to self-inflicted anxiety. The message urges listeners to bring every thought captive to Christ, cut off sources fueling fear, and prioritize seeking the kingdom of God to overcome anxiety and trust in God's provision.
Peace Gives Life to the Body
By Shane Idleman80538:09PRO 14:30MAT 11:28JHN 13:35EPH 4:3COL 3:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of peace and unity in both personal lives and within the body of Christ. It highlights how a heart at peace gives life to the body, while envy and bitterness lead to destruction. The speaker stresses the need for forgiveness, love, and unity as foundational principles for revival and spiritual growth, drawing from personal experiences and biblical teachings.
The Work of God in Our Heart
By Jesse Stoltzfus79140:16EXO 35:5PSA 37:1PRO 14:30MAT 6:19This sermon delves into the significance of the heart, exploring the spiritual heart as the core of one's being where feelings, will, and intellect reside. It emphasizes the impact of what stirs in the heart, whether for good or bad, and the need to address hidden sins or burdens that hinder one's walk with God. The message highlights the importance of allowing Jesus to cleanse and heal the heart, enabling individuals to fulfill their calling and experience freedom from condemnation and spiritual burdens.
Fret Not Over Evil-Doers
By Charles E. Cowman2PSA 37:1PRO 14:30ISA 26:3PHP 4:61PE 5:7Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of not fretting, even in the face of injustice and prosperity of the wicked. Fretfulness only leads to unnecessary friction and heat, hindering the smooth working of life. He emphasizes the need for the anointing oil of God's grace to keep us cool and prevent dangerous conditions caused by heat and friction. Through trust, love, hope, and rest in God's power, we can find peace and strength, and ultimately, faith.
What Priests Should Be and Should Not Be
By Clement of Rome0PRO 14:30Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of building up fellow believers in faith, avoiding envy, and working for the Lord with reverence. He urges for more workers in the harvest who are skilled in sharing the truth, faithful, and focused on eternal life. Clement warns against false workers who deceive, serve their own interests, and do not truly represent the light of God. He encourages believers to imitate the faithful, serving God with justice, righteousness, and integrity to bring glory to His name.
Something Must Be Done (Part One)
By Gardiner Spring0PRO 14:30PRO 27:4MRK 15:10ROM 1:29GAL 5:211TI 6:4JAS 1:21JAS 4:51PE 2:1The preacher delves into the concept of malice (kakia) as a quality of wickedness, depravity, and ill-will, highlighting its destructive nature and the root of various vices. Kakia is described as a vicious disposition that rejoices in hurting others, leading to a wicked habit of the mind. Envy (phthonos) is explored as a form of malice that resents others' excellence or happiness, leading to division, strife, and even murder. The sermon emphasizes the importance of putting aside malice, envy, and hatred, as they destroy fellowship and lead to a corrupt and loveless way of life.
The Martyrdom of Sts. Peter & Paul and Companions in Rome
By Clement of Rome0PRO 14:301CO 13:4HEB 12:1JAS 3:161PE 2:21Clement of Rome urges the congregation to look to the recent spiritual heroes of their own generation who endured persecution and martyrdom due to envy and jealousy, such as the apostles Peter and Paul. He emphasizes the importance of patience and endurance in the face of trials, highlighting the examples of those who suffered indignities and tortures yet remained steadfast in their faith. Clement warns against the destructive nature of envy and strife, which have caused great harm throughout history, even leading to the downfall of cities and nations.
Completely Dedicated to Christ: Are We?
By A.W. Tozer0PRO 14:30PRO 27:4MAT 27:18ROM 1:29GAL 5:21PHP 1:151TI 6:4TIT 3:3JAS 4:51PE 2:1In this sermon on Envy, the preacher delves into the destructive nature of envy, describing it as a feeling of discontent and resentment towards others' possessions or qualities. Envy leads to division, strife, and even murder, making it one of the most odious vices. The sermon emphasizes that envy is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments, warning believers of its corrupting influence on the soul. Envy is contrasted with jealousy, with envy focusing on begrudging others' possessions while jealousy fears losing what one has. The preacher highlights the importance of walking by the Spirit to overcome envy and rejoice in others' blessings.
Envy
By Thomas Brooks0GratitudeEnvyPSA 37:1PRO 14:30PRO 23:17ECC 4:4ROM 12:151CO 13:4GAL 5:26PHP 2:3JAS 3:161PE 2:1Thomas Brooks warns against the destructive nature of envy, describing it as a torment that gnaws at the soul and likening it to poison, a serpent, and a scourge. He emphasizes that envy is not only foolish but also a groundless wickedness that corrupts and destroys one's inner peace. Brooks urges listeners to flee from envy as they would from a deadly adversary, recognizing that being envious of others' blessings only leads to personal torment. He highlights the absurdity of turning the goodness of God towards others into our own suffering, urging a shift in perspective towards gratitude instead.
The Seven Deadly Sins
By Russell DeLong0EXO 20:14PSA 37:21PRO 11:28PRO 13:4PRO 14:30PRO 16:18MAT 5:28JHN 1:7EPH 4:26JAS 4:6Russell DeLong preaches about the deadly nature of sin unless repented of and forgiven by God. Sin is any deliberate act against the known will of God, whether vertically against God or horizontally against other human beings, with internal effects on the soul. Despite modern advancements, there are only new sinners committing old sins. The seven deadly sins, including pride, avarice, envy, lust, anger, gluttony, and sloth, are like spiritual tumors that crush the soul. The only remedy for sin-saturated individuals is the forgiveness and cleansing offered by the Great Physician.
The More Excellent Way
By John Hames0PRO 14:30ROM 12:121CO 13:4PHP 2:31PE 4:8John Hames preaches on the importance of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13, emphasizing the 'nots' that love embodies. Envy is highlighted as a destructive force that eats away at the purity of the heart, leading to criticism and bitterness. Love is portrayed as humble, polite, and selfless, seeking the good of others above oneself. It is patient, kind, and enduring, believing and hoping in all things, and ultimately never failing even in the face of challenges and changes.
God Is Mine Helper
By Joshua Daniel0PSA 23:4PSA 27:10PSA 46:1PSA 54:4PSA 62:8PSA 91:2PSA 118:8PSA 121:1PRO 14:30Joshua Daniel preaches on the story of David seeking God's help in the midst of great difficulties, highlighting the importance of trusting in God as our ultimate helper even when facing betrayal and danger. Envy led to Saul's downfall, emphasizing the destructive nature of jealousy and the need to guard our hearts against such negative emotions. David's unwavering faith in God as his helper serves as a powerful example for believers to find security and strength in God alone, especially during times of discouragement and uncertainty.
Pharisees Are Motivated by Jealousy and Hatred
By Zac Poonen0GEN 4:5PRO 14:30MAT 27:181CO 13:4JAS 3:16Zac Poonen preaches on the dangers of jealousy and how it can lead to destructive behaviors, using the Pharisees' jealousy of Jesus as a prime example. He highlights how jealousy can progress to hatred and even murder, drawing parallels to the story of Cain and Abel. Poonen emphasizes that jealousy often stems from a desire for popularity, recognition, or abilities that others possess, leading to criticism and a longing to see them fall.
Early Martyr Testimony
By Clement of Rome0GEN 2:23PRO 14:30HEB 12:1JAS 3:16Clement of Rome preaches about the impact of envy on individuals and societies, highlighting the endurance and faith of those who faced persecution and torture. He emphasizes the examples set by holy men and a multitude of elect who persevered through challenges. Envy has led to the downfall of relationships, cities, and nations, illustrating the destructive power of this emotion.
The Fire of Envy
By John Henry Jowett0PRO 14:301CO 13:4GAL 5:26PHP 2:3JAS 3:16John Henry Jowett delivers a powerful message on the destructive nature of envy, comparing it to a deadly potion that distorts our moral and spiritual senses, leading to confusion and chaos. Envy blinds us to truth, making us see disorder as order and misinterpreting everything around us. Only God has the power to extinguish the destructive fire of envy, transforming it into goodwill and replacing confusion with order and beauty.
The Struggle With Jealousy
By Charles Stanley0PSA 37:4PRO 14:301CO 10:14JAS 4:71JN 4:20Charles Stanley preaches on overcoming jealousy by acknowledging it as a sin that leads to idolatry, repenting, and realigning our perspective with God's will. He emphasizes the importance of thanking God for others' blessings, asking for love towards them, and avoiding malice and hate that jealousy can breed. By surrendering jealousy to God, we can protect our relationships, our witness, and fully experience God's blessings.
Strife and Sedition
By Clement of Rome0GEN 3:6PRO 14:30ROM 1:21JAS 3:161JN 2:16Clement of Rome speaks about the downfall of honor and happiness due to envy, strife, and disobedience. He highlights how righteousness and peace have departed as people abandon the fear of God and follow their own wicked desires, leading to unrighteousness and envy that brought death into the world.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
30 A quiet heart is the life of the body, But covetousness is rottenness in the bones. Heart, soul, flesh, is the O.T. trichotomy, Psa 84:3; Psa 16:9; the heart is the innermost region of the life, where all the rays of the bodily and the soul-life concentrate, and whence they again unfold themselves. The state of the heart, i.e., of the central, spiritual, soul-inwardness of the man, exerts therefore on all sides a constraining influence on the bodily life, in the relation to the heart the surrounding life. Regarding לב מרפּא, vid., at Pro 12:18. Thus is styled the quiet heart, which in its symmetrical harmony is like a calm and clear water-mirror, neither interrupted by the affections, nor broken through or secretly stirred by passion. By the close connection in which the corporeal life of man stands to the moral-religious determination of his intellectual and mediately his soul-life - this threefold life is as that of one personality, essentially one - the body has in such quiet of spirit the best means of preserving the life which furthers the well-being, and co-operates to the calming of all its disquietude; on the contrary, passion, whether it rage or move itself in stillness, is like the disease in the bones (Pro 12:4), which works onward till it breaks asunder the framework of the body, and with it the life of the body. The plur. בּשׂרים occurs only here; Bttcher, 695, says that it denotes the whole body; but בּשׂר also does not denote the half, בשׂרים is the surrogate of an abstr.: the body, i.e., the bodily life in the totality of its functions, and in the entire manifoldness of its relations. Ewald translates bodies, but בשׂר signifies not the body, but its material, the animated matter; rather cf. the Arab. âbshâr, "corporeal, human nature," but which (leaving out of view that this plur. belongs to a later period of the language) has the parallelism against it. Regarding קנאה (jealousy, zeal, envy, anger) Schultens is right: affectus inflammans aestuque indignationis fervidus, from קנא, Arab. ḳanâ, to be high red.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A sound heart--both literally and figuratively, a source of health; in the latter sense, opposed to the known effect of evil passions on health.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A sound heart is the life of the flesh,.... A heart made so by the grace of God, in which are sound principles of truth, righteousness, and holiness; these preserve from sin, and so from many diseases; whereby the life of the flesh or body is kept safe and sound, or that is kept in health and vigour; or a "quiet heart" (h); a heart free from wrath, anger, and envy, and such like passions and perturbations; this contributes much to the health of the body, and the comfort of life: or a "healing heart", or "spirit" (i); that is humane, kind, and friendly; that pities and heals the distresses of others, and makes up differences between persons at variance: such an one is "the life of fleshes" (k), as in the original text; or of men, of the same flesh and blood; the life of others, as well as of his own flesh; such an one contributes to the comfortable living of others as well as of himself; but envy the rottenness of the bones; a man that envies the happiness and prosperity of others, this preys upon his own spirits, and not only wastes his flesh, but weakens and consumes the stronger parts of his body, the bones; it is as a "moth" within him, as the Arabic version: the Targum is, "as rottenness in wood, so is envy in the bones;'' hence Ovid (l) calls it "livor edax", and so Martial (m). (h) "cor leve", Baynus; "cor lene", Mercerus; "cor lenitatis", Gejerus, so Ben Melech. (i) "Animus sanans", Junius & Tremellius, so the Tigurine version; "sanator", Gussetius, p. 800. (k) "vitae carnium", Montanus; "vita carnium", V. L. Pagninus, Michaelis. (l) Amorum, l. 1. Eleg. 15. v. 1. & de Remed. Amor. l. 1. in fine. (m) Epigr. l. 11. Ep. 21.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The foregoing verse showed how much our reputation, this how much our health, depends on the good government of our passions and the preserving of the temper of the mind. 1. A healing spirit, made up of love and meekness, a hearty, friendly, cheerful disposition, is the life of the flesh; it contributes to a good constitution of body; people grow fat with good humour. 2. A fretful, envious, discontented spirit, is its own punishment; it consumes the flesh, preys upon the animal spirits, makes the countenance pale, and is the rottenness of the bones. Those that see the prosperity of others and are grieved, let them gnash with their teeth and melt away, Psa 112:10. Rumpatur, quisquis rumpitur invidia. Whoever bursts for envy, let him burst.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:30 A peaceful heart has resolved its inner tensions. Freedom from jealousy is beneficial to physical health.