A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. – Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. – Proverbs 14:30 (KJV)

52 Proverbs in 52 Weeks – Week 30
This week’s theme:  God’s Life Hacks, simple Biblical truths to increase the fruitfulness and happiness of our lives.

God’s Life Hack:  Be content.

When I read the first part of Proverbs 14:30 I can’t help but picture the faces people I know who always seem to be “full of life.”  Those folks who, no matter what the circumstances, are constantly smiling, positive, making the best of things, and just enjoying life.  In contrast, the second half of the verse brings images of those who always seem to be frowning, bickering, and looking for the negatives in life…people who seem to be perpetually unhappy.

Two groups of people, both created and given life by the same God, yet with dramatically different outlooks on life.  So what’s the difference?

A big part of it may be a “heart at peace” vs a heart full of envy.

In this context, a heart at peace speaks to being content — at peace with where we are, what we have, and the circumstances we find ourselves in.  Paul is perhaps one of the best examples of such contentment.  As we’ve mentioned in previous posts (see Philippians 4:13), he had been stoned and left for dead, whipped with 39 lashes five different times, shipwrecked, thrown in prison twice, hunted by people who wanted to kill him, beaten with rods, betrayed, and he had an affliction (“thorn” in his flesh) that God did not heal.   Yet, despite all of his suffering, he didn’t envy those who found themselves in better circumstances.  He chose to be content, and even rejoice, wherever he was.   Just look at Acts 16:25:
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (NIV)
Here Paul and Silas are locked up and sitting in prison…and they’re still singing praises to God.

Paul clearly displayed “a heart at peace” in incredibly difficult situations, so how can we do the same?  Given Paul’s example, let’s also close with his words regarding the secret to contentment:
… for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  – Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Here’s a link to more verse posts on  God’s Life Hacks.

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