Proverbs 17: 22 Commentary

1. When a person is happy and light-hearted
a. It even improves their physical health
2. When a person has been crushed emotionally
a. Even their bodies suffer ill health
3. But please do NOT listen to “Christian ghost stories”
a. Which are designed to SCARE God’s people into believing
b. That if they ARE suffering (esp.) physically
c. It is because of some unconfessed sin in their lives
4. Yes, there ARE cases where God does use physical suffering
a. To discipline His children
b. But it is NOT punishment
5. For God has not dealt with us after our sins
a. Nor rewarded us for our iniquities (Ps 103:10)
6. And I would be VERY cautious listening to anyone
a. Who thinks THEY know WHY we are suffering

By Tractorman (wrote 3584 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 7/18/2011 12:08 pm

Mr. Martin.

Most of our problems are spiritual. That is not to say that every physical problem you have is the result of some special sin on your part. (Only God knows if they are or aren’t)

Lets assume for sake of argument, that the two are unrelated. Even though it’s not the primary cause, if you have unforgiveness in your heart, why should the Lord heal you from arthritis? (Just food for thought. I have trouble letting things go too. But it sure feels good to get right with people. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who’s right or wrong.

Unforgiveness makes us bitter and nobody should have that much control over our lives. So, if there’s a person who has done you wrong, could you forgive them today? If not for their sake, for your own sake and the Lord’s.

jaysun1980@hotmail.com

By Jason W. Elder (wrote 321 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 7/23/2010 11:29 am

The proverbs are not intended to be true in every situation. It is true that when we are highly stressed, angry, or upset for a long time that it causes our bodies, due to overuse of resources to protect against it, to rot our bones sometimes. Also, while being merry will be easier chemically on our bodies, it will not ever guarantee excellent health or freedom from arthritis. Fasing also does usually help arthritis and gives us extra time to speak and listen to the Lord. If the answers seem extremely dark, remember that Satan sometimes plants lousy thoughts, but God is loving and if you tell Satan to quit it, in the name of Jesus you will be free to hear the Holy Spirit reaching out to you. The very definition of God is Love and He is love and the source of all love. He is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and will comfort you in your trials.

Depending on the reason and kind of arthritis, the nutritional needs may be hard to meet. Reducing breaded items and pasta, and increasing fresh vegetables often helps people. Pray and pay attention to dietary changes and you may find some answers for your body. We need to keep in mind that eventually health is challenged and living to 120 is about the longest life span we get because virtually everyone has health problems even if it is not acknowledged openly.

God truly does bless us and will probably help you to improve some as you listen to what His answers seem to be. After you ask Him, quietly listen to the thoughts that come to mind for often they are Him. Regardless of the outcome, please keep in mind that the purpose of miracles is to glorify the Lord and bring faith in others to Him. A miracle such as healing from a major disease is not essential and if everyone who believed God will heal their problems if they have enough faith, forgiveness, love, etc., were to be healed, then healings of major illnesses would be much more common and nearly everyone would pray and be healed of everything. Of course, then a healing would not be considered miraculous, but instead ordinary.

Jesus promised the person dying on a cross next to Him that they would be in paradise that very day! Whatever happens, you have eternity.

I died for a short while once and discovered that leaving my body was not any different than being in it. You will not even experience death, but until then, do not waste time on guilt and ignore the ignorant. Rejoice in the Lord always. Jesus is right by your side, walking with you every step of the way and the Holy Spirit is in your heart if you have invited Him in, and God the Father has arranged every plant and flower and tree just so because He loves all the creatures of the world.

You are made in God’s image, but like Paul, at least for the moment you have an ailment. Saint Paul had an ailment as well. You are in great company. May the good Lord bless you with gifts of joy and happiness, and may He heal you right now. If it is not the time, it is not your fault. In fact, it is not any one persons fault. We live in a broken world in which Satan, for a short while, rules, but Jesus overules. Be open to healing even this moment, but do not add personal blame to this illness. God loves you so much He put you first, his adopted child, even ahead of His only natural child.

If there is anger, ask in the name of Jesus to have it removed and it will be removed and replaced with love and peace. If you are not walking in anger, don’t give it a second thought. Dwelling on exaggerated ideas of responsibility will only pull you down. Job was an exceptionally wonderful person, but misfortune comes to us all on this earth and that includes illness ever since original sin.

Talk it over in prayer right now. May it be a blessed day for you.

Love in Christ,

Merry

By Merry (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 6/27/2010 21:05 pm

Can someone explain this verse to me please. I have arthritic ankles and someone said that its because of unforgiveness and quoted this verse along with Proverbs 14:30

By Simon Martin (wrote 3 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 6/27/2010 13:31 pm