Have you ever wondered if there are scriptures about health? I’ve often pondered the implications of verses like Paul’s admonition to finish the race well in 2 Timothy 4:7. There seem to be many health analogies and wording in scriptures. Where are the scriptures about health? How can I pray for good health? And how do I ask God for healing?
How do you define good health? Is it the many numbers that define us at the doctor’s office? Our weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and so many others? I would like to think that good health is more than that. Good health to me is when you feel your best and your mind, body, and spirit are in true balance. But, if you want to get technical, the official definition from dictionary.com is Health: soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment.
The definition seems simple enough, but in our high-stress, high sugared, high-demand world, optimal health can be something difficult to achieve. As we walk into 2020, I’m sure many of us have a health goal. It may be to lose weight, or it’s to lower your cholesterol, sleep more/better, or simply stress less. Getting started may feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Our Lord created us knowing exactly what we need to not only survive but to thrive. Let’s dive into His word and follow His instruction all in the hopes of truly glorifying Him with our mind, body, and spirit.
This page may contain affiliate links. To view my full affiliate link disclosure, click here. There are Amazon affiliate links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I make a small commission from Amazon links in this post. Find our privacy policy, terms of service, and more information about user data by visiting the links above.
What Does the Bible Say About Health and Wellness?
We cannot look at health and wellness through the lens of the Bible without first talking about the end goal. What is your end goal with your health and fitness? Why are you seeking truth in the Bible?
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 2:7 NIV
Just like anything else in life, our end result should be finishing the race that God has set before us so we can someday be reunited with him. It comes down to glorifying God, not glorifying ourselves. Sure it can be nice to lose weight, increase our health and enjoy fitness and nutrition; but what is the end goal? The end goal of all these scriptures for health is Jesus Christ.
The truth is that we are each going to die. Sounds kind of morbid doesn’t it? Isaiah 40:8 reminds us that things in this world will fade, including our health and bodies, but God does not. Health and fitness are good things. We have to fight the ‘good fight’. But not at the expense of losing our souls.
Fight the good fight, but God, family, and friends first, and intentionally look at the Bible for wisdom on your health.
There are more scriptures about health in the Bible than the ones we are going to discuss today, but these are the ones in the Old and New Testaments that have triggered my heart as I have reflected on health and wellness.
12 Scriptures about Health
Scriptures for health and wellness should inspire our hearts and mind to apply the word of God to our everyday health for His glory and honor. When we put first things first these scriptures for health will guide us toward Him and healthier choices.
Psalm 139:13-14
“ For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
Many times, at the beginning of a health journey your coach, doctor, or nutritionist will often ask you, why? Why are you trying to get healthy? There’s a lot of emphases put on the why because if the why isn’t big enough, many will lose motivation and ultimately give up. I can’t think of a better way than we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. God chose to make you exactly how you are on purpose and we should honor our bodies because they are truly a gift from Him.
John 6:35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35 ESV
Have you ever felt physical hunger that you can’t quite quench? It may lead to overeating or other unhealthy habits. Filling that void will not do anything for you in the long run. Jesus promises that the void you seek to fill with food and other unhealthy habits can be fulfilled with HIM.
Proverbs 31:17
She dresses herself with strength
Proverbs 31:17 ESV
and makes her arms strong.
Proverbs 31 is a classic chapter that often makes women feel inadequate and frankly quite tired. How can measure up to the women that are on display in that chapter? I think the part we often gloss over is one of the last verses that tie it all together. Verse thirty reminds us that in Proverbs 31 the women’s priority is the fear of the Lord. Everything she does is rooted in God. Yes, she is dressed in strength and makes her arms strong, but don’t forget the foundation. Her foundation is God.
Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
Proverbs 15:17 ESV
than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
This verse is one of my favorite reminders that what we place in our mouths has consequences. One of my favorite podcasts available right now is the Trim Healthy Mama podcast. They often talk about how our attitude and our mindset effects our health, weight loss, and fitness. It is important to realize that our spiritual and mental health is just as important as our physical.
Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
Can you imagine running and not growing weary? Truly I run for a mile and I’m about toast! I’ve never been a good runner, but I do enjoy the practice. The word ‘wait’ in this passage is a beautiful imagery of again making sure that our priorities are straight. We are not waiting for our bodies to be perfect. We are not waiting for that perfect workout outfit. We are not waiting for the latest health trend. We are waiting for the Lord.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV
There are so many scriptures about health that we can extrapolate from the Bible. However, if we are going to look at scriptures for health, I really think these need to be included. In the Christian world, it seems common sense to talk about purifying ourselves from things that contaminate the spirit. But how often do we talk about purifying ourselves from those things that contaminate the body?
Our health needs to be holistic, mind, body, spirit.
1 Corinthians 9:27
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV
I always marvel at this passage. It seems a little bit on the radical side, but is it? When there are cheaters at a game, are they not disqualified? How about you? Do you preach a good word, but not live it out?
I confess that I have felt convicted on this on my Trim Healthy Mama journey. Too often I find myself as a coach eating off-plan, and yet online I’m ‘preaching’ the plan.
Paul is talking about spiritual things here. He is using an analogy of health to make a point, but I think we can apply it to both matters. We cannot preach the truth of the Gospel and then live a different life. Similarly, we should not preach a life of health and wellness and then secretly live an unhealthy balance. In my humble opinion, this is one of the most impactful scriptures about health in the Bible.
John 6:27
But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God, the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”
John 6:27 NLT
Do you ever get so caught up in ‘health and wellness’ that once again you realize that you’ve forgotten the ultimate? The Bible is full of scriptures about health, but each one points us to a greater purpose, a greater emphasis. That ultimate purpose is Christ. Eating healthy food is important, but it will perish. The Son of Man can give you so much more!
Proverbs 14:30
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,
Proverbs 14:30 ESV
but envy makes the bones rot.
When I read this verse I almost want to take a deep breath and let it out. There is so much bitterness in this world, but a hearty reminder that our heart can bring healing to our body is a needed reminder. Don’t let your body rot away because of sinful emotions.
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV
Another part of health and wellness that often comes up is healing. If you look up to the URL of this website, you may notice that healing is a huge part of what we are about. However, the healing that we preach is the healing of Jesus Christ in homes. Our homes can be powerful catalysts to bring healing to a broken world, but it starts with being rooted in Christ.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NIV
There are some of you really struggling with health issues right now. Although I have been through my share of health struggles, there are many out there that have faced truly terrifying circumstances. When stressful and tough health situations come up, I like turning to this passage and being reminded that despite all the sin and ugliness of this world, my God promises to supply for all my needs.
Deuteronomy 5:12-14
” Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do.
Deuteronomy 5:12-14 NIV
Sleep is critical to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended that most adults get at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Good sleep can lead to many health benefits including less stress, a healthy heart, improved memory, and may even help you lose weight!
Bible Study on Health and Wellness
Are you looking for more resources on scriptures about health? Chances are that if you are here, you are looking for Biblical encouragement about weight loss or other health goals.
I would like to invite you to dive into my “Rest and Reset” devotional. It is a 7-day look at learning food freedom and resting in the power of God’s Word through our health journey. It is available on Amazon Kindle, or you can read for FREE using Amazon Unlimited.
Another resource that I have been enjoying is Ashely from Undoubted Grace. Her free E-course on self-care will walk you through learning self-care and includes a devotional on Rest.
A few other resources that you might enjoy include:
- Taste for Truth by Barb Raveling
- I Deserve a Donut by Barn Raveling
- Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
- Less of Me by Becky Lehman
What other resources have you found on your own health journey for scriptures about health? You can read about my transformation from ‘Fat Girl to Child of God’ and then catch me over on Instagram to continue the conversation!
Don’t forget to pin for later!