Envious? Crushed? Angry? – Proverbs in Practice
We continue, former procrastinators, with a brief look at a number of proverbs that address issues we might be inclined to put off. Earlier this year we looked at proverbs that directly address procrastination. This fall, we’re giving attention to verses that apply to procrastination but not as obviously. They bring up subjects that we might have shoved to the back burner when they may actually need attention.
This week’s look is another peak into our hearts.
“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” Proverbs 14:30
Envy disrupts peace. Discontent stirs up thoughts, feelings, words, actions that reveal an inner spirit not at ease with the Lord. Envy is “painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.” Merriam Webster online.
Anita Bryant, a former Miss America, who was also a believer in Christ, wrote that she’d worked hard to get a book published but without success. A friend called to joyfully share that she, the friend, had been picked up by a publisher. “Why does she get a publisher and I don’t?” Anita struggled with the Lord. She wrote that He impressed upon her, do not be jealous of what I do in another person’s life. Anita realized that what the Lord did in somebody else’s life was His business and she could trust Him.
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32
Are we inclined to say, “That’s just who I am. I blow up, then it’s over.” Some say that as if it excuses blow ups. Does my anger meter need adjustment? Do I let little things bother me? God values a slow-to-anger person over a mighty one; He says someone who exercises self-discipline is mightier than the conqueror who takes a city. Maybe we need to change perspective and prioritize patience, calm listening, a quiet tongue. Another proverb goes with this:
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Proverbs 25:28
We looked at this a while back. To review, check out “Temptation: Healthy Walls – Keep in Step with the Spirit.”
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit. A crushed spirit, like envy mentioned above, actually affects our health. If your spirit is crushed, please, seek the help of a friend or counsellor who can hear your hurt and guide you to a healthier place. Maybe you have a crushed spirit that you deny – yet it affects you and others in spite of efforts to cover up. Allow yourself to give this appropriate attention. Putting it off is not good for you or those around you. The state of your spirit matters greatly.
How will you address envy, being prone to anger, or a crushed spirit?
