Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Proverbs 14:30

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

This week, we’ve been talking about monsters. The monsters we’ve discussed aren’t literal or those in movies. Instead, these monsters are things in our lives that if we don’t stop, will grow really big.

Today’s Monster: Envy.

It’s so easy to envy others, isn’t it? Especially because in the age of social media, other people’s lives just look so much better than yours. You might have a friend that has a way better house than yours and it makes you envy them. Or maybe it just seems like they’re just always doing bigger and better things than you.

And the more you watch their lives on social media, the more unhappy you begin to feel.

The thing about envy is that it’s a monster that is never satisfied. For example, you might think if you had the newest shoes that your friend has, then you’d be happy. But once you get those shoes, you see that your friend got newer ones and yours no longer satisfy you.

The Bible tells us in today’s verse that envy is bad. It rots the bones, meaning that it brings no fulfillment, only destruction. Instead of envy, choose to practice peace. Choose to thank God for what you do have.

To live at peace, you might have to put some limits on how much time you spend on social media if it brings you unhappiness. Instead, use that time to take a walk outside, send a friend an encouraging note, or spend a little more time in God’s Word. Peace takes work, but it’s worth it. Choose to put the monster of envy aside and walk in peace today!