WISDOM FROM GOD – “IT SHALL BE HEALTH AND STRENGTH TO YOU”

Right from the very beginning, the LORD God Almighty, our Creator and our Redeemer is trying to teach us to do two very basic and fundamental things. One, to TRUST God with all that we have. Two, to OBEY Him in all that pertains to us. This we are to do all the days of our life – TRUST God and OBEY Him. When we do so, the hand of God would rest upon us, and His grace, mercy and favour would guide us through the storms and the snow of our lives.

When we read Proverbs 3:7-8 this is what we can see at play. Verse seven lays the foundation for a godly life. Verse eight tells us what would be the outcome of a life that trusts God and obeys Him. Is this not what man is searching for? Is this not what man is struggling to attain?
– “7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:7-8

For our devotion this morning, let us look at Proverbs 3:8 – “8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” Herein we see the result of a life…
– that is not wise in its own eyes;
– but fears the LORD; 
– and will willingly and joyfully depart from evil. 
Health and strength mentioned is verse eight are nothing but the natural result of the three things that a Christian or a Child of God would do.
– The Hebrew word for “healing”  is “riph’ut” and the word for  “refreshment” is “shiqquy.” They both unambiguously suggest, a deep connection between our spiritual obedience to God, and our physical health. Our spiritual state affects our physical condition.

1- “IT WILL BE HEALTH TO YOUR FLESH”
Our physical health is deeply connect to our mental health. Our mental health is connected to our spiritual health. This does not mean a Child of God will not have any problems and struggles. It simply means, despite the storms and the struggles, the child of God will be able to go through them, because he places his trust in God, and obeys Him with all his heart. The LORD Jesus who sees such a man, would be with him, and guide him through his life.
– “20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.” – Proverbs 4:20-22
– “God’s wisdom is not just for spiritual edification but also for physical health. Living according to His principles can lead to a healthier life.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

2- IT WILL BE STRENGTH TO YOUR BONES
Strengthening or refreshment of our bones means that, the blessing of God would nourish and invigorate the very core of the human being who is willing to trust and obey the LORD Jesus. 
– “22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
– “25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” – Proverbs 12:25
– “…”refreshment” implies a renewal or invigoration, suggesting that wisdom not only heals but also revitalizes. In ancient Hebrew culture, bones were often seen as the core of physical strength and vitality. The imagery of bones being refreshed indicates a deep, internal rejuvenation.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

Trust and obey may sound theoretical and ambiguous to some. Here are some practical ways in which we can we can follow -TRUST and OBEY- our LORD.
– “Embrace God’s wisdom in daily decisions, such as maintaining integrity, practicing forgiveness, and living a life of moderation, which can lead to both spiritual and physical health.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

When we trust and obey the LORD, this is what happens to us. 
– “Trusting in God’s wisdom and promises can bring peace and reduce stress, which are significant factors in maintaining physical health.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

The key, dear brothers and sisters is in TRUSTING and OBEYING the LORD Jesus Christ. We are called to be His disciples and His followers. We are called to walk as He did. We are expected to think, speak and do as did our LORD Jesus Christ. The standard is impossibly high for us, the fallen human beings. However, by the grace of God, and the enabling of His Holy Spirit, we can walk this path steadily. Such a life – “IT SHALL BE HEALTH AND STRENGTH TO YOU” invariably. Don’t you think so?