09/08/2024
The Ten: Top health tips from the Bible
Juliana Muniz
November 8, 2021
12:00 pm
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(Source: Getty Images)
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Take care of our earthly bodies
Why should we care for our health? Paul reminds us of the importance of why we were created: for God to dwell with us. âOr do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your bodyâ (1 Corinthians 6:19,20). He goes on to say âwhether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of Godâ (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Mental health matters as much as physical health
King Solomon, the wisest man on earth, understood the connection of mind and health: âA joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bonesâ (Proverbs 17:22) and âA tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rotâ (Proverbs 14:30).
Keep a positive attitude
âA bright look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the body.â (Proverbs 15:30)
Stay away from alcohol
While the Bible does include examples of alcohol usage, it is also clear that it is a dangerous substance. âThose who are champions at drinking wine are as good as dead, who display great courage when mixing strong drinksâ (Isaiah 5:22). Strong words from Isaiah and Proverbs doesnât hold back either. âDo not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viperâ (Proverbs 23:31,32).
Balance hard work with rest
God encourages hard work but always balanced out by rest. His gift of the Sabbath has so many benefits. âBetter is a handful of rest than a double handful of hard work and striving after the windâ (Ecclesiastes 4:6). The Ten Commandments put it this way: âSix days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no workâ (Exodus 20:9,10). According to the Bible, the work must be enjoyed. Make meal time a happy time. âEvery man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labourâit is the gift of Godâ (Ecclesiastes 3:13).
Sleep is important
âThe sleep of a labouring man is sweetâ (Ecclesiastes 5:12) and âIt is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up lateâ (Psalm 127:2). Better start prioritising those ZZZs.
Eat in moderation
While some church lunches may contradict this principle, it is important to exercise moderation in our lives and diets. âHave you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomitâ (Proverbs 25:16) and âdo not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in ragsâ (Proverbs 23:20,21).
A plant-based diet is what God intended for us
From the very start God said âBehold, I give you every plant that produces seeds upon the earth and every tree that has fruit with its seed inside of it: these shall be your foodâ (Genesis 1:29). Daniel provides a later biblical example of the benefits of a plant-based diet. âDaniel resolved he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine . . . âLet us be given vegetables to eat and water to drinkâ . . . At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rationsâ (Daniel 1:8,11,12,15).
Put full trust in God
Studies have shown that a healthy prayer life, faith in a higher being and strong belief can all enhance the quality and length of your life. The Bible backs that up. âThe fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfactionâ (Proverbs 19:23) and âgive attention to my words . . . for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their fleshâ (Proverbs 4:20,22).
Obey Godâs Word to live longer
âMy son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to youâ (Proverbs 3:1,2). Bonus time for honouring your parents as well (see the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12).