Emotions Effect Our Physical Conditon

Commentary

It is healthy to be content but envy will eat you up (v. 30). Not being able to control a persons emotions will effect his physical condition. Medical science today knows that a person with a healthy disposition probably will have a healthier body also. Such things as anger, envy or a strong desire to make other people do certain things produces adverse effects physically. Since God is the maker of all people it is a sin against God to take advantage of those who are poor (v. 31). On the other hand when we are kind to the poor we honor God. Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible, it is a command that may require a change of attitude. The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing, but the righteous has hope and confidence even in death (v. 32)

Wisdom is found in people with good sense, but that which is in the heart of fools is make known (v. 33). History reveals that no country has prospered long that turned their backs on God (v. 34). Israel is a great object lesson of this fact. When the Word of God was honored they prospered but when they sinned and refused to follow God they became a reproach. Though we may seem to be getting away with sin, eventually it will catch up with us and bring us to shame.

Nothing will make a person in authority more pleased than a display of wisdom and discretion by those under him: On the other hand if evil results from following subordinates advice it likely will provoke anger in the heart of the authority (v. 35). This would certainly be true of employee-employer relationships today.

Application

I can think of many examples where certain emotions out of control have caused physical problems. “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (II Tim. 6:6). It  would be good for me to memorize this verse as well as (Phil. 4:11).