“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8 (NIV)
We acquire wisdom when we spend time in God’s Word and seek out His will for our lives. Wisdom is not a man-made concept, but is given to us by God. If you ask for wisdom, God will give it to you.
To “fear” God means not only to hold Him in high regard (reverence), but also to recognize His mighty power and unfathomable strength. Scripture tells us that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom and that all who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom (Psalms 111:10).
How does being God-fearing and gaining wisdom benefit our physical well-being? Throughout scripture we are provided a roadmap of habits and temptations to avoid, as well as a guide to longevity. The beginning of the above verse, “Do not be wise in your own eyes,” tells us that we should not be dependent solely on our own knowledge, but on God to know the right choices for our bodies.
By following God’s design and trusting in God’s plan, we will yield results that are pleasing to Him. If we are truly striving to put God above all else, all of our endeavors should be God-driven; motivated by His will and designed with the purpose to carry out His plan for our lives.
What motivates you? How can improving your physical health be a testimony to your reliance on God?