The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
God created our bodies and cares about both our hearts and our health. Scripture tells us that followers of Jesus will have glorified bodies in eternity, where there will be no more sadness, death, or pain—only joy, life, and wholeness. Right now, though, we live in a fallen world where our joy is often quelled and our bodies break. These proverbs help us to live in light of the eternal comfort that awaits.
Reflection Questions:
These proverbs connect our well-being to our spiritual health. What are some reasons we should pursue physical and emotional health?
In light of Proverbs 3:13–18, define godly happiness in your own words.
How would you explain the connection between wise counsel and “health to one’s whole body” (Proverbs 4:22)? Conversely, how can something like envy contribute to poor health?
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55 thoughts on "Health and Happiness"
Godly happiness is an unexplainable joy that is born deep down within us
Our body is our temple, we must take care of it .. but only through His grace will it be lasting. Let Him change you
Being a good steward of our physical & emotional health is a way to honor God
by taking the best care of what He’s entrusted to us.
Being a good steward of our physical & emotional health is a way to honor God
To be happy, peaceful, joyful, caring are all important qualities of a joyful and loving heart. We honor God when we don’t let the weights of this world bury us. To be a light of God, it is important to take care of ourselves so we can take other people’s feelings and emotions into thought. How are we treating ourselves? How are we treating others?? These are important questions to ask yourself, daily. Godly happiness to me is knowing all that He has done for us and being able to just trust that he will always be there for us. It’s easy to forget that if we are not in His word everyday and praying to Him. Having an envious heart is not reflective of His love for us. It’s not a spiritually, healthy heart.
Godly happiness from the verses starts with the blessings from wisdom; also I notice specific blessings being long life, riches and honor, pleasantness and peace that contribute to happiness.
Pursuing emotional and physical health are so important. God gave us this body to treat as temple. If we aren’t caring for ourselves, I believe we can’t fully care for those around us. Physical health is good for depression, for managing stress and anxiety, all thing God says to give to him.
Proverbs 3-13-18 – wisdom is better than all things, and when we have wisdom we will be life giving to those around us.
It is amazing how the truth of scripture are supported by evidence in the real world. A lot of research on the impact of trauma and the havoc it wreaks on the body parallels what these verses say. it is true that finding true healing in the Lord brings true healing to the body as well as the soul!
Wow, I get it. Thank You.
Reasons we should pursue physical health is because it is important to take care of the the eartly body that God has given us. One reasons we should pursue emotional health is so that we can maintain healthy relationships in our lives. Godly happiness is when you can have peace and happiness despite the trials and tribulations that you are going through. Pursuing wise counsel helps us with our struggles which in turn helps us manage areas of our health such as, stress and anxiety. Envy can contribute to poor health because it can lead to anger and bitterness. Anger and bitterness can lead to depression or a calloused heart.
Testing
I have seen jealousy literally rot away at a loved one in almost every area of her life. It’s been going on for over 20 years & she has now become estranged from her family who love her. She has also turned to alcohol and work to help numb the pain. Jealousy can become a deep seated root that can overtake a persons entire being…mostly the heart & mind, which gets to be a very scary place for that person.
Our thoughts affect our physical health! When we are down and depressed our bodies feel tired and worn down. When we are full of life and full of the LORD, we will be strong and healthy. Breathe in the lord, breathe out the negativity!
I love “ A heart at peace gives life to the body…” This is so true. Chaotic times physically and mentally can drive us to feeling down and depressed.
I know I’m a little behind but hey I’m here :)))
Is it Godly or godly? I know it seems silly but I have a feeling it’s meant to be the Big G :) sooo I have accepted the things I will just have to live with till it’s my time to join God but I can tell you that migraines and anxiety can tear a physical body apart, your mood apart, your family will suffer, your lack of focus on God, etc. I am beyond blessed in my life even though I deal with some things others are so blessed to not go through. I am choosing to be happy despite the hard days and trusting in God to give me strength to be a good example to others. It’s hard and I need God every day be a person I want to be around! Thanks to God I can hope to be a good example to those I come into contact with :) I want to bring happiness to my family and those around me = my Godly happiness :))))
Godly wisdom in Proverbs 3:13-18 gives such fulfilling results to those who have this Godly wisdom (from understanding, happiness, riches, honor, pleasantness and peace, even longer days we will have, I ponder on this for a bit, and realize that if we do things wisely, surely we can arrive at solutions quicker and will have more time out of the days to be problem-free). Praise the Lord.
James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
Definitely consider that which you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to
take note of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed even as folks think about worries that they just don’t recognize about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also outlined out the entire thing
without having side effect , other folks can take a signal.
Will probably be back to get more. Thank you
Angela, thank you for posting your story. I too am struggling with cysts on my uterus. It is hard to get through the physical and emotional pain every day to be the best mom and wife I can be. I just wanted you to know you are not alone in that struggle. We can do this mama! I loved your thought of asking God what we should learn during this time. I am going to add that to my daily prayers. He will guide us through, if we let Him! Prayers of healing and peace for you!
Thank you, PK! NO, really! THANK YOU !
Where does a believer find wisdom and understanding? Where does a believer find contentment and peace? It’s found in His word. Thy word have I hidden in my ❤️.
I have been dealing with chronic pain for over 16 years now, and I can tell you (as many of you have experienced as well), that if you don’t feel good physically you are cranky, short-tempered, irritable, and tired. It is hard on spouses, kids, and friends and it is hard for them to see where it stems from, only what they experience through you. (Which thank you for someone’s comment about how maybe your pain is other’s window into God, that did indeed resonate with me!) But you have to look to God in that pain to help you with your strength and attitude. Chronic pain and illness can often lead to depression, so it is imperative that you lean on God and find that strength in Him. I have come a long way in my faith journey in the last 20 years and only hope and pray that I am being a wonderous piece of the big puzzle, and I try to live my life that way every day, that I will hear the words Well Done on that Oh Glorious Day!
I am missing Tina from across the pond, hoping everything is ok with our sister in Christ!
Envy is a sin and where sin is present, the devil is present. This 100% contributes to overall poor health.
I think of Godly happiness as contentment and peace regardless of my circcumstances. It comes from knowledge that God loves us and while our world is broken, He is not. He is wonderful and faithful so this is what that means to me. As to the second question of physical and spiritual health connection, I have really struggled with this the past week. Full transparency… I have been angry and bitter this week and had some “rightous anger” and I believe this has stemmed from some envy. Envy ma not be the right word and I am still pursueing truth at this time around the issue. The good news is God is bigger than my issue and I will find knowledge and wisdom which will propel me to guide me to identify the sinful part Ineed to let go of. This will bring healing to me and I look forward to discovery and peace.
It’s amazing how our mental state is so connected to our physical state. I know right now, I’m struggling with my physical health with this ovarian cyst, and it’s been a battle in my mind to not give in to the frustration of not being the best I can be for my family right now. It leads down a slippery slope of insecurity and could end up in wallowing in self pity, which will only leave me feeling worse mentally and physically. That doesn’t mean I don’t wish and pray that I’m feeling better ASAP or that I’m overjoyed by being ill, but it’s about grace and asking God what He would have me learn during this time and putting my trust in Him, for myself and my family. Learning to be content in every situation isn’t easy, but God is so faithful when we put our trust in Him.
Love these verses. I do think its important to remember that we wont always be healthy in all areas at the same time. During my toughest period about 12 years ago, my anxiety was sky high and I was having almost daily panic attacks, some just crippling. Yet during that period of terrible mental health, the Lord drew nearer to me than I have ever felt before or since. He consistently showed me He was there and my faith grew so much stronger during that period. I believe he used those few months in my life to draw me closer than ever to him and solidify an everlasting faith.
Proverbs 17:22 is the verse that really stuck with me because I have seen to many times when people who are angry, upset, mean, or unpleasant to be around get sick they take forever to get well. I have noticed with myself if I remain happy and joyful (even in the hardest of times, and I’ve had some lately) I don’t feel as bad and I am less likely to get sick.
On to the questions, I feel we should pursue physical and emotional health is to be able to stay focused and grounded on God, Christ, The Holy Spirit, and the teachings in the Bible and by doing this we will have happiness and live a prosperous Christian life.
To me, Godly happiness is having wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God’s ways and words and living them.
I love how our physical body is connected to our emotions. I want to take care of my whole self so that I can be a good witness for Christ and walk out his calling for my life.
When we do what god called us to do and/or our spirit is happy.
We want to have good mental health
Such an incredible reminder that, ultimately, our spiritual health determines how we are (emotionally, mentally, physically). I’m so encouraged to make quiet time with God a priority in the midst of all the chaos around us.
Amazing word
(1) One reason we should pursue physical and emotional health is because our body is a dwelling space for the Holy Spirit. When we are emotionally and physically healthy we feel better and can help others. Staying healthy keeps us in good spirits.
(2) Godly happiness is being reconciled to God through Christ and having an intimate relationship with him. Godly happiness is wise, peaceful, honorable, and it brings understanding.
(3) Wise counsel will lead you to better decisions which bring prosperity and health. Envy can make us lose sight of what we have to be thankful for. While we’re busy being jealous of someone elses body it could make us appreciate our own less and in the long run make us not want to care for our body.
Praying for you Kathy. I had shingles in my 30’s and agree with you on the pain. Praying for some relief today and continued comfort from the Lord
God made us perfectly in His image. When we are physically healthy our bodies release endorphins and that makes us feel good. When we are spiritually healthy the Holy Spirit places a peace over our lives that help us find joy and peace! Thank you God for our amazing bodies and the wisdom you provide!
We are part of the lord work
Yes I was thinking about this connection too! So cool.
The contrast of the states of the heart stood out to me… Tranquil, joyful, blessed versus rotten, crushed, hardened. Lord, help my heart be characterized by the first list, seeking out wisdom and understanding, the result being LIFE and REFRESHMENT to my own heart and may that flow to others (Proverbs 3:18).
Godly happiness is the comfort in understanding God’s love for me and His want for me to be at peace – spiritually and physically.
I think godly happiness can be defined as loving & delighting in God, His character & His word.
Susan & Alicia – I love what you both said too!
KATHY – praying for healing and relief of your pain, and also for a family member recently diagnosed with shingles. Nerve pain is the worst!
I thunk pursuit of physical and emotional health also increases the health of our spiritual life. The enemy likes to attack us when we are down emotionally/physically. But if we choose to work on building up our bodies to be the Lord’s temple and choose to not let jealousy or a broken spirit hinder us..we can be strong spiritually. I think it works both ways as well. Godly happiness is finding joy outside of this world and our circumstances, but being shaken by what’s going on around us. Because we know who is still on the throne, who is truly unshakable. God. I’ve had to walk through this truth many times in life. It’s hard. It’s also so rewarding. Being content with what you have and not waiting on the next thing to be your source of happiness. Envy leads to stress which leads to less physical and emotional well being.
Kathy, praying for you right now. May God give you peace.
Good
Order
Depends
soLely on
Yahweh
Matthew 6:33; First Corinthians 14:33
Holy
Admiration
Practiced
Presently
Invites
New
Energy and
Soaks up
Sadness and Self-pity
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace” (Alan Jackson).
Proverbs describes jealousy as “rottenness to the bones” and a broken spirit as something that “dries up the bones.” I think a lot of us know what these descriptions feel like from negative experiences in our life. But I was thinking about modern scientific studies on how anxiety, discontent, and sadness actually impacts our physical health over time. While science is really just now studying these interconnections/ “holistic” health, God’s Word has been sharing this wisdom since Proverbs. This shows us just how rich and trustworthy God’s wisdom/Word is.
God is wisdom. He created us and knows everything. Coming to God is our first step toward knowledge.
When I think about wisdom I think that having wisdom changes my perspective. I’m looking at everything through my eyes. Wisdom changes that perspective to seeing things through God’s eyes. Things that seem so important and worrisome to me, when seen through God’s eyes are changed. God’s wisdom knows the overall plan and can see it so differently.
Most important to me, right now, is the perspective to see others differently. Wisdom shows me how precious every soul is and loves them. I see people critically and have trouble loving some folks. I’m reading Bob Goff’s book, “Everybody, Always’ on how to love people. I pray that God will give me His wisdom to see people and circumstances the way He sees them.
Reasons to pursue physical and emotional health: The question beneath the question here is why engage in or extend life. Our bodies are failing, the world deteriorating, sin accumulating, revelation approaching… why bother? I think about this question often because it’s so important. And I gotta tell you, I don’t think Jesus clears it up all that well. What I will say is that my take away from scripture is that a lot more is going on here than we know. Our lives are mounting toward something, being collectively woven into something. And I suspect, given what I know of God so far, it’s going to be beautiful. So we care for ourselves as a way to walk in faith toward that promise. Living in it – like it’s happening right now – like the kingdom of heaven is at hand – because we full believe it is and will be.
Define godly happiness: So much controversy over this right… I think when we use the word happy it accounts for a cluster of positive emotions from safety to contentedness to delight to glee to belonging to gratitude to curiosity. And frankly I think they can all be godly. So I guess what defines godly happiness, in contrast to worldly happiness, is the source… is it derived from pride, greed, envy, wrath… are you happy as you exact revenge or consume like a glutton. Probably not godly happiness. Do you light up at the birth of a new baby or when you watch someone act with courage. Probably godly happiness.
Consider the connection between godly counsel and holistic health; consider the connection between envy and poor healthy: I think about this as listening to doctors, scientists, counselors, financial planners, preachers… when you listen to their wisdom (as opposed to insisting on blazing your own trail in every way) you have whole health. Envy creates the opposite effect… instead of seeking wisdom and taking wisdom you envy what others have. Thinking they got it easily. No sacrifice or wisdom involved. This leads to a poor understanding of how to get anything you want.
Praying for your recovery Kathy!
I read a book once written by a cardiologist about the link between heart disease and mental health/anxiety. It was very interesting. I’m an ICU nurse and see patients come in with Takasubo Cardiomyopathy (or “broken heart syndrome”) after a spouse or loved one tragically dies, or the patient has significant stress in their lives. I have no doubt that there is a connection between stress and our health. This is my practical application for the verse “a heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” 14:30
Ways of pleasantness and paths of peace stand in sharp contrast to dried-up, rotten bones and a hardened heart. This makes me think of the days I choose to shut out all social media and the days I choose to respond (often just mentally) to posts I deem outrageous, ridiculous, ignorant, etc. My paths of peace become strewn with garbage and I can feel my heart hardening.
Prayers for you Kathy and all who are experiencing the pain (physical, mental, emotional) of our broken world. I hope you continue to feel better, and thank you for sharing that perspective. Today’s readings definitely confirmed how foundational physical and mental health are to being better “able” to pursue a healthy spirit, and vice versa. But then, how great is the journey of those who do battle (sometimes lifelong) physical and mental health challenges and are healthier spiritually than many of us who are outwardly healthy. It’s hard simply pinning a purpose behind someone else’s pain, but if that resonates with you, know that there are likely others in your life being shaped by your struggle and commitment to the Father.
Praying your pain subsides, Kathy.
The verses made me contemplate about our bodies being temples of the Lord. Pursuing health on the inside and out glorifies Him. I went to bed earlier last night as I was feeling so run-down. It has made my early morning devotional reading very difficult when I’m tired as I often start falling asleep and can’t concentrate. This morning I am refreshed and could really focus on what the Lord was speaking to me. It all clicked. When I take care of myself, my body, my spiritual well-being improves too.
Godly happiness is having a sense of peace no matter the circumstances, and feeling rich regardless of your actual financial status. Our health is holistic therefore decreased physical or emotional health impacts our spiritual health and vice versa. I know for myself, I don’t feel as accomplished with my day if I don’t exercise/do some form of activity and read my Bible. When I spend a few days outside of the Word, I feel it’s impact on my emotional health.
For the last two weeks, I have been battling sciatica and shingles. The sciatica is better but shingles has been terrible. It is the most painful thing ever. (If you haven’t gotten a shingles vaccine go now.)
What I have discovered is that physical sickness makes it really hard to focus on anything, including God’s word. When it all was at the absolute worse all I could do was pray, “Help me.” I couldn’t read or focus on anything. It was not a fun time and I missed being able to really focus on His Word.
However, God is so faithful. He sent me such a sense of peace and assurance that it was okay. He had everything under control and He knew my heart This experience has enforced my desire to take care of my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It was cool reading about how godly happiness can bring health and well-being to all of us.
Please pray for this shingles pain to go away.
Be blessed sweet sisters.
Praying for you Kathy. I’ve had both sciatica and shingles. The pain is very real and does make it hard to concentrate on anything else.
Kathy, so sorry you’re in pain. I had them in February. In addition to an Rx, my doctor had me take 1,000mg of Vit C a day, and 500mg of L-lysine 4x a day,. They are both over-the-counter, and helped tremendously! In fact, a coworker had them a few months after I did, so she took these as well and it helped her.
Godly happiness is contentment grounded in the sure promises of God.