Proverbs 14:30 kjv

A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

Proverbs 14:30 nkjv

A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.

Proverbs 14:30 niv

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 14:30 esv

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Proverbs 14:30 nlt

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 30 Meaning

Proverbs 14:30 presents a vivid contrast, asserting that inner tranquility and health of spirit bring about physical vitality and well-being. Conversely, envy, a destructive internal emotional state, is depicted as physically corrosive, leading to decay and debilitating illness. The verse highlights the profound connection in God's creation between a person's inner spiritual and emotional condition and their physical health.

Proverbs 14 30 Context

Proverbs chapter 14 belongs to a collection of Solomonic proverbs (Prov 10-22), characterized by couplets that contrast wise and foolish behavior, righteous and wicked actions, and their respective consequences. This particular verse fits squarely within this thematic structure, using a chiastic-like arrangement to highlight the opposing outcomes of internal emotional states. The broader context of Proverbs often links one's moral and spiritual condition directly to tangible outcomes in life, including prosperity, social standing, and physical well-being. Historically, ancient Israel understood health not merely as a physical state but as an integral part of one's holistic well-being, deeply intertwined with spiritual righteousness and moral conduct. There is no polemic against other beliefs here, but rather an affirmation of a divinely ordered connection between the inner self and outward reality.

Proverbs 14 30 Word analysis

• A tranquil heart (מַרְפֵּא לֵב, marpe’ lev):

  • מַרְפֵּא (marpe’): The Hebrew word marpe’ often means "healing," "cure," "restoration," or "health." It can also convey "calmness" or "tranquility." Thus, "a tranquil heart" here implies a healthy, calm, or healing heart. It signifies an inner state of peace, contentment, and absence of agitation, derived from spiritual and moral soundness. This "healing" quality isn't just internal but projects outward.
  • לֵב (lev): Refers to the "heart," which in Hebrew thought is not merely an organ but the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and conscience. It's the inner self, the core of one's being. So, marpe’ lev points to the wellness of one's deepest inner being.
  • Significance: This highlights that true health begins from within—a spiritually and emotionally sound inner person.

• gives life (חַיֵּי בָשָׂר, ḥayyei vasar):

  • חַיֵּי (ḥayyei): "Life," "vitality," "freshness." The plural form emphasizes abundance and continuous well-being.
  • בָשָׂר (vasar): "Flesh," "body," "physical being." It denotes the physical manifestation of life.
  • Significance: A healthy inner life directly imparts vigor, vitality, and health to the physical body. It indicates a holistic well-being where the inner peace of the soul translates into tangible physical benefits.

• but envy (וְקִנְאָה, wəqin’â):

  • וְ (wə): "But," a strong adversative conjunction indicating a sharp contrast.
  • קִנְאָה (qin’â): "Envy," "jealousy," "zeal." While "zeal" can be positive when directed towards God (Exo 20:5), in most contexts within Proverbs and often elsewhere, qin’ah carries the negative connotation of covetousness, resentment of another's blessings, and bitter rivalry.
  • Significance: Envy is singled out as a particularly destructive emotion. It implies not just a passing feeling but a disposition that consumes the individual.

• makes the bones rot (רְקַב עֲצָמוֹת, rəqaḇ ‘aṣmōṯ):

  • רְקַב (rəqaḇ): "Rottenness," "decay," "corruption." This word signifies deep-seated deterioration. It suggests a slow, debilitating process, not an immediate catastrophic event.
  • עֲצָמוֹת (‘aṣmōṯ): "Bones." In ancient Israelite thought, bones were often associated with the core of one's physical being, the innermost strength and structure (cf. Ps 6:2, 38:3, Lam 1:13). They represent foundational strength and vitality.
  • Significance: Envy's effect is not superficial; it is presented as a decay that attacks the very framework and essence of the body, leading to deep, debilitating illness or general decline. It speaks to a profound, intrinsic damage.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "A tranquil heart gives life to the body": This phrase emphasizes the vital role of internal peace and spiritual well-being for physical health. A heart free from agitation, guilt, and discontent promotes a robust and vital physical existence. It’s a foundational principle: a peaceful, healthy soul fosters a healthy body. This connection signifies a psychosomatic truth known even in ancient times, where inner disposition profoundly impacts outer vitality.
• "but envy makes the bones rot": This vivid contrast portrays envy as a deeply destructive force. "Bones rot" is a powerful metaphor for fundamental, deep-seated deterioration, reflecting debilitating physical illness, wasting away, and profound inner decay. Envy, a gnawing bitterness, consumes from within, metaphorically and perhaps literally diminishing physical health and vigor. The comparison against "life to the body" intensifies the understanding of envy's destructive power.

Proverbs 14 30 Bonus section

The strong metaphor of "bones rotting" underscores the comprehensive biblical understanding of humanity, where the spiritual, emotional, and physical realms are intimately intertwined. The "bones" in Hebrew thought often symbolize inner strength, foundational essence, and sometimes even the depth of one's suffering or joy. Therefore, bones rotting implies a complete, pervasive decline impacting the very structure and life force. This aligns with modern scientific insights that link chronic stress, negative emotions, and hostility (like envy) to various physical ailments, including heart disease, compromised immune function, and digestive issues. The Proverbs here implicitly advises not only for moral health but also for physical well-being through cultivating internal virtue over corrosive vice. It highlights the principle that true prosperity begins with the state of the heart.

Proverbs 14 30 Commentary

Proverbs 14:30 is a concise yet profound statement on the integrated nature of human existence, asserting that emotional and spiritual states have tangible physical consequences. It draws a clear distinction between two internal dispositions and their respective impacts on the physical body. A "tranquil heart"—meaning a peaceful, contented, and morally sound inner self—is depicted as a source of health and vitality, contributing to a vibrant "body" (basar), which signifies overall physical well-being. This implies that freedom from worry, malice, and discontent promotes flourishing. Conversely, "envy" (qin'ah) is portrayed as an intensely destructive force, so powerful that it causes the "bones to rot" (rəqaḇ ‘aṣmōṯ). This strong imagery does not merely suggest a mild indisposition but points to a deep, wasting decay that saps physical strength and health from the very core of one's being. The verse reveals a timeless truth about psychosomatic effects: unchecked negative emotions, particularly envy, consume from within, manifesting as physical decay or illness, whereas positive inner peace fosters health and life. It serves as a call to cultivate internal righteousness and peace as a path to holistic well-being.