**TRIGGER WARNING**
The heart, according to interpretations in the Bible, is one’s inner-being. The words are interchangeable and are comprised of the mind, emotions, motives, desires, will and moral conscience—a person’s true character. What is in people’s hearts will manifest itself in their words and actions. If someone has a heart full of hate, anger, and resentment, their words and actions will show that. They, typically, will not have anything nice to say. Their actions might start out as lying and cheating. They could escalate to adultery and violent acts, and potentially graduate to something more severe, like murder. These words and actions hurt the people around them. Contrarily, if someone has a heart filled with love and joy, their words will be positive and uplifting. Their actions will show a spirit of service, a deep concern for others, and consistent kindness. The state of one’s heart will also affect their physical well-being. (The biblical view of well-being is a holistic concept. It is made up of the spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and social sides of a person’s life. All of which are deeply connected to one’s relationship with God. He is sincerely concerned with every aspect of people’s lives. He desires peace and health in the lives of people.) A heart filled with contempt, rage, and bitterness will show high levels of stress and anxiety. These, in turn, increase blood pressure, worry, and give an overall sense of dread and hopelessness. Stress and anxiety affect the body in several ways and cause people not to feel well. The body of this post discusses several instances where the Bible talks about the heart. Additionally, it covers the effects of living a positive versus negative life.
First, to show the importance of the heart, I quote Proverbs 4:23. It says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring (where everything originates and flows from) of life”(NIV). “Above all else” signifies great importance. It emphasizes that that thing is the most important to consider or to prioritize above all else. To guard is to protect from danger or harm. Based on Proverbs 4:23, one must diligently protect their heart from harmful or dangerous influences. Further, showing the importance of having a guarded heart, is Philippians 4:7. It says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”(NIV). We are not alone in guarding our hearts. “The peace of God”, which we receive by being reconciled to Him through Christ, is also guarding people’s hearts. It is an extra layer of divine protection. The heart needs to be protected from the enemy. Satan is the enemy “who comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy…” (John 10:10)(NIV). Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)explains that the battle over people’s hearts is “not with flesh and blood”. Instead, it is with “the rulers of the darkness of this age”. To counter the evil, according to 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV), there are weapons that are “not of this world”. Those weapons have “divine power” and are given by God. They “demolish arguments and every pretension (arrogant or proud claim)” that Satan tries to use to damage our inner-being. With God’s weapons, His divine protection, and the commitment people have to protecting their hearts, their safety looks promising.
Proverbs 23:7 says “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” He says”(NKJV). This verse is about a selfish, penny-pinching man who deliberately does not say what he is truly feeling. He tells his guest to eat and drink all he wants of the expensive food and wine. All the while, he is angry, adding up every bite in his head. The verse is a strong comment about the relationship between a person’s inner thoughts and their true character. A person’s true nature or character is defined by what they believe and think. It is also shaped by what they meditate on in their heart. It’s not about what someone does or says outwardly, but what is at the core of their being. It is a warning to look beyond the outward appearance and look at what lies beneath. If someone’s heart is filled with anger and hatred, their words and/or actions will, eventually, display those emotions. In contrast, if someone’s heart is filled with peace and truth, their actions and attitudes will honor God. They will also bless others. This proverb is, both, a warning and an encouragement. It warns of the chance for evil to seize one’s heart and corrupt the person. It, also, encourages. Having a heart governed by devotion and serenity equals an abundant, encouraged life that is pleasing to God.
To have a life pleasing to God, we go to Philippians 4:8 (NIV). Here, Paul lists 8 virtues for believers to have in their hearts that are pleasing to God.They will bring peace to every area of people’s lives.
- Truth: Factual (consistent with reality). Rooted in the fixed nature and Word of God.
- Righteous/Just: Fair (in line with God’s righteousness). Emphasizes treating everyone equally.
- Honorable/Nobel: Things that inspire reverence and awe. Deserving of respect.
- Pure: Things morally undefiled. Free from sin, especially actions about sexual morality.
- Lovely: Pleasing, agreeable, echoing love and kindness.
- Admirable: Well-spoken of, good reputation.
- Excellent: Regarding moral excellence and fundamental goodness. Paul challenges believers to work hard to achieve highest standards.
- Praiseworthy: Things that deserve to be praised. Not for self-glory but acknowledging God’s goodness and positive qualities in others.
Paul then tells believers to think/meditate on these things. This statement stresses the link between thoughts and overall well-being. What is “dwelled on” forms one’s heart, and in the long run, actions and well-being. In essence, the verse is saying that what one concentrates on in their hearts will affect their actions. It will also impact every other area of their life.
Proverbs 14:30 speaks to the association between a person’s inner state/heart and their physical well-being. It says “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones”(NIV). A calm heart equates to inner peace, contentment, and reduced stress and anxiety. This calmness comes from trusting God. Peace of mind arises from being happy with who you are and what you have. A peaceful heart is the source of health and strength. A modern interpretation of this verse might be that a heart at peace corresponds with reduced stress. It also relates to anxiety reduction, better sleep, and less sickness due to an increased immune system. Additionally, it can lead to decreased blood pressure. These contribute to a longer, healthier life. The contrast to that is the second half of the verse, “…but envy rots the bones.” Envy is a painful or resentful awareness of an advantage someone else has. It could be a possession, quality, skill, achievement, or even happiness. This feeling is merged with a wish to possess the same benefits. Also called coveting in the Bible. Envy leads to feelings of not being good enough and unhappiness due to the regarded lack of something. The strong craving for the perceived advantage doesn’t allow the person to feel gratitude for what they do have. “…rots the bones” is a strong figure of speech showing the devastating nature of envy. Joyce Meyer said that envy is the root of all negativity and crime in society today. She believes envy comes from comparison and insecurity, which is common and widespread in our competitive culture. Envy leads to a whole host of sins but it also brings about many negative health issues. Competing with others increases stress and anxiety. It also increases anger and depression. These and many others negatively impact a person’s well-being.
Along those same lines, Proverbs 3:7-8 says if you “…depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones”(NKJV). In short, this verse says ridding oneself of evil will make you healthy. Again, the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression. Along with a reduction in stress, comes a decrease in blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and dementia. Lowering your blood pressure can reduce chances of kidney problems, and vision issues. Now addressing the bones. They are what holds your body upright and gives it form. “Strength to your bones” can also speak to osteoporosis (chronic bone disease). Healthy, strong bones are necessary for day to day functioning. Sorry if this sounds more like a medical paper. I’m just trying to explain how important a calm, peaceful heart is. The Bible’s relevance to today’s issues is significant.
The Bible mentions anxiety and depression directly. Proverbs 12:25 says ”Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad”(NKJV). This verse highlights the very real effect of one’s internal emotional condition on behavior. The verse draws a direct association between anxiety and depression. One will influence the other. The internal state of a person will determine the action, mood and words. If they are filled with anxiety and worry, stress and concern, depression will become their mood. Their actions may involve crying, being chronically down and excessive or no sleep. Their words express misery and discouragement. The last part of the verse reminds people how far a kind and uplifting words will go. Compassionate and uplifting words can change the mood of a person, even during difficult times. It is an encouragement for believers, and everyone alike, to remember the transformative power of cheerful, loving communication.
Proverbs 16:24 goes further to say “Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones”(NKJV). “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb” is a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that compares 2 unlike things by using the words “like” or “as”. Here, Solomon is comparing pleasant, love-filled words to a honeycomb. Honeycombs were highly valued and desired in ancient times for their sweetness and purity. The verse implies that well-chosen words said with tender compassion, are highly valued and desired. People want them for their “sweetness” because they make them feel better. “Sweetness to the soul” means that just as the honeycomb is wonderful to the taste, pleasant words bring happiness and comfort to the soul/heart. “Health to the bones” points out that kind words can help in physical wholeness. A nice word or compliment can make one feel good all the way down to their bones.
Proverbs 15:30 says that “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones”(NIV). This further proposes a link between inner disposition and physical health. “A cheerful look” can be a smile received or something a person sees that makes them smile. “Brings joy to the heart” means that the smile brings joy to the person’s inner-being. Pleasant things seen also bring joy to the heart. “Good news” is good news, a happy greeting or a positive message. All of which make people feel better. “Health to the bones” alludes to strength, energy and health. It suggests that good news doesn’t just make a person feel better emotionally. It also helps them physically feel better as well. This verse continues to make the connection between a person’s inner-being and physical health.
**TRIGGER ALERT**
Finally, Proverbs 17:22 states “A merry heart doeth good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones”(KJV). “A merry heart” is more than a happy or positive outlook or nature. It’s deeper than a brief, momentary emotion. It’s an abiding, enduring joy that is grounded in faith and trust in God. “Doeth good, like a medicine” declares the therapeutic and rehabilitative power of a joyful heart. It aligns with modern medicine’s findings. Positive emotions are connected with reduced stress. They increase immune performance and life expectancy. Medicine is given to treat ailments. The benefits, of the correct medication, generally outweigh any side effects. “A merry heart” compared to medicine, physically helps the body with illnesses. “Broken spirit” refers to the heart or inner-being being broken. Weighed down by sorrow, stress, negativity and hopelessness. It is a condition of inner brokenness that can be unbearable and overwhelming. Someone with a broken spirit may feel they can’t go on and have nothing to live for. This is an extremely sad and scary place to be. They need to diligently seek God and possibly professional help as well. I’ve been there and for anyone in that situation; you are in my prayers. “Drieth the bones” is a strong figure of speech demonstrating the harmful and crippling result of a broken spirit. It suggests that deep-seated pain and hopelessness can reduce energy and strength. This will harm physical health. “Drieth the bones” may also refer to the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the thick liquid in the center of the bones. It is responsible for making the blood cells that are essential for life. If this “dries up” or stops functioning death will occur. (My research showed that chronic stress can impact bone marrow function.)
Biblically, the heart or inner-being, is the totality of who we are. It is made up of our mind, emotions, motives, desires and moral conscience. It is our true self. If we have a heart filled with evil and hatred, it will come out in our words and actions. No matter how hard we try to cover it up, it will, eventually, manifest itself. It may be little things at first-a rude word or comment or a nasty look. If we have a heart filled with joy and love, we will show it to those around us. Our actions will reflect that in all things. It will be genuine and heartfelt. The Bible also indicates a correlation between the state of a person’s heart and their physical health. A negative inner-being can cause increased stress, anxiety, blood pressure and the cardiovascular problems that often go with them. It can make it hard to sleep or have one sleeping too much. Hopelessness leads to depression.In contrast, an optimistic outlook will reduce stress, anxiety, blood pressure, the risk for depression, and other physical ailments. Joyful believers might still suffer physical ailments. Yet, there is a connection between spiritual and physical health. A life lived in balance with God and His will can encourage peace and play a part in overall health. The Bible encourages people to choose a positive and grateful attitude. This attitude should be established firmly in faith and trust in God. People need to concentrate on what is good, true and worthy of praise. They should cultivate positive thoughts through meditation on Scripture and prayer. It involves diligently searching for God’s wisdom. Surrounding themselves with positive influences is also important. When people align their mind’s with God’s will they can have greater peace and joy. It will transform their perspective and they can live life showing God’s love and grace to the world.