Physically speaking, the life of the flesh involves a sound heart (Proverbs 14:30) and blood (Leviticus 17:11). Without these, a man will not long survive. In like manner, much emphasis is also placed upon the importance of sound bone structure. A man who has problems with his bone density and strength finds his quality of life greatly hindered. According to the Bible, we can draw a parallel between bone strength and spirituality. The Bible says that envy is the rottenness of the bones. As bone strength declines, the individual becomes prone to falls and injury. In like manner, as a person allows envy to take root within his heart, he becomes unstable and prone to falling and personal injury. Those who refuse to repent of envy will ultimately lead themselves into an untimely spiritual death.
It is difficult for new and sometimes older Christians to fully comprehend sin's effects. From God’s perspective, every facet of sin involves a vile act. However, from man’s viewpoint, though sin can be extremely harmful, the temporary pleasures (Hebrews 11:25) distract from sin's injurious nature. For instance, Proverbs 6:24 warns about the “evil woman.” We might think this to mean that we should stay away from women who say bad things, yet the evil woman does not always speak negatively. In fact, this woman is said to speak with flattery; she says nice things but with impure motives. This warning is so important that it was given on multiple occasions (Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 6:24; Proverbs 7:5, 21). The warning here is given specifically about a strange woman (a woman other than the man’s wife), but it applies to men and women alike. We ought to always be on guard about those who flatter us with their words.
