A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
A sound heart (is) the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. A heart free from "envy," anger and every faulty affection toward one's neighbour, relieves the body of a great source of very many diseases; for it produces joy and peace, flowing from a good conscience, and is attended with the blessing of God. [Thus, marpee' (H4832) is taken from rapa' (H7495), to make sound]. An active sense is also included in a 'sound mind,' both sound itself and bringing soundness to others; which sense is implied also in the Hebrew for "flesh" being plural-`is life to the bodies of others.' Gejer, Maurer, etc., take it, 'a sedate' or 'tranquil heart' [from raapaah (H7503), to remit or abate] - one free from all immoderate anger, hatred, and envy. So the Hebrew is taken (Ecclesiastes 10:4). In either ease, "a sound," or else a 'tranquil heart' stands opposed to "envy;" and "the life of the flesh" to "the rottenness of the bones" - namely, that which eats away all its marrow (Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 17:22).