Proverbs 14:30-31
A tranquil spirit revives the body,
but envy is rottenness to the bones.
The one who oppresses the poor insults his Creator,
but whoever shows favor to the needy honors him.
Have you ever been somewhere, but been somewhere else in your head? I’ve done that. It particularly happens to me when I’m worried about something. If I’m stressed out about a situation at work, it’s not that hard to be somewhere and yet find myself back in the other situation. I’ll be trying to figure out how to respond or how I should have responded. I’ll be trying to figure out a solution to a problem or a hundred other things. It’s usually not because something good is going on and I’m so excited about what’s happening. It’s usually something stressful or negative that is occupying my mind.
If you’ve been there, you know that it can do far more than take you out of a situation. It can stress your body out. It can keep you from getting a good night’s rest. It can make you sick. It can even do things like cause a heart attack. When your spirit is troubled, your body is going to feel it too.
But a tranquil spirit, a spirit at ease and peace actually restores and revives the body. But, envy is rottenness to the bones. If you want a life that someone else has, and it brings unrest to your soul you will find yourself sick with envy. But, if you can find peace in your soul, you will find peace in your body.
Think of the contrast. When you are envious of another life, all your pursuits become about getting that life. But, when your pursuits are fueled by what’s coming out of your spirit as opposed to what you’re trying to force into it – it makes a difference on everything. If you’re seeking the right things in life you will also have the strength to serve the needy around you. And when you serve the needy, you’re serving from the outpouring of your spirit. When you serve the needy, you are exalting and honoring your creator.
