A Proverb a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Short, pithy statements of wisdom can keep you on the right health track, according to a press release from University of Toronto.  Bernard Choi offers some examples, like “seven days without exercise makes one weak.”

King Solomon had some pretty good ones:

• A joyful heart is good medicine (17:22)
• A wise man is strong (24:5)
• The glory of young men is their strength (18:40)
• A tranquil heart is life to the body (14:30)
• Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (16:24)
• Who has woe?  Who has sorrow? … Those who linger long over wine (23:29-30)
• Bright eyes gladden the heart; good news puts fat on the bones (15:30)
• Eat honey for it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; so shall knowledge of wisdom be to your soul. (24:13-14)

A proverb a day is good advice, but not all pithy sayings in Reader’s Digest or elsewhere are wise.  Pith without fruit is substance without nutrition.  Pick your proverbs with discernment.  The advantage of Solomon’s proverbs over Choi’s is that this wisest of kings gave attention not merely to physical health, but, more importantly, to spiritual health.  Notice how they are related.