Sword and Shield

Heart Guide for Lesson 2:
Truth or Consequences

Texts that speak to health issues abound in scripture. The main emphasis of the texts is in regard to the connection between negative emotions (sins) and physical health—what our science describes as the mind-body connection (see also Pr 3:7-8; 9:11; 16:24). Consider this: If stress and sin are among the roots of disease (as our science and the Bible both indicate), then trust and obedience are "roots" to walking in divine health! See also The Bible on Diet and Health.

My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, And health to their whole body. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:20-23 WEB

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,but envy makes the bones rot. Proverbs 14:30 ESV

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 ESV

The emphasis of scripture regarding our health is on the spiritual food in our daily diet. There are far more texts calling attention to the various fruit of the Spirit (peace, love and joy) which the Lord wants to cultivate in our hearts, then there are to physical food He wants us to choose to put in our bodies. Physical food is not seen as a threat to health, if thanksgiving and moderation are maintained (Pr 23:21; Pr 25:16; 1Co 9:25).

Let no man therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking… "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch" (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2:16, 21-23 WEB

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4 ESV

Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. Hebrews 13:9 ESV

Return to The Spiritual Roots of Disease: Head to Heart Guide for more ways to go deeper into these truths or stay "on course" by going to the...