Proverbs 14:30
What does Proverbs 14:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 14:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 14:30 means
Proverbs 14:30 draws a stark contrast between an inner disposition of peace and health versus one of envy and malice. A “sound heart” signifies a mind and spirit free from disturbing passions, leading to physical well-being and longevity. This positive internal state is likened to “life of the body,” suggesting vitality and robust health stemming from inner tranquility. Conversely, "envy" is depicted as destructive, compared to "rottenness of the bones." This vivid imagery conveys envy’s insidious and debilitating effect, eating away at a person’s core like a disease that weakens one from within, ultimately leading to decay and spiritual debilitation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; But envy is the rottenness of the bones.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; But envy is the rottenness of the bones.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A quiet mind is the life of the body, but envy is a disease in the bones.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A healed heart <FI>is<Fi> life to the flesh, And rottenness to the bones <FI>is<Fi> envy.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Soundness of heart is the life of the flesh: but envy is the rottenness of the bones.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A sound heart is the life of the flesh; but envy the rottenness of the bones.
Context
This verse is situated within a chapter of Proverbs that frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, and the righteous and the unrighteous. Chapter 14, largely comprised of couplets offering moral and practical instruction, examines character traits and their consequences. Prior verses discuss integrity, honesty, and justice, while subsequent verses continue to explore themes of wisdom, folly, and their respective impacts on life. Proverbs 14:30 fits seamlessly into this flow by presenting another clear distinction between an inner quality (a sound heart) that leads to flourishing, and a destructive emotion (envy) that leads to ruin, reinforcing the chapter's overarching message about the importance of right living and its tangible outcomes.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
- Psalms 119:80
Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame. כ KAPH.
- Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
- James 4:5
Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?
- Proverbs 12:4
A worthy woman is the crown of her husband; But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
- Psalms 112:10
The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; He shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: The desire of the wicked shall perish.
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Want to dig deeper? Explore Proverbs 14
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