Bodily Exercises vs Righteousness
Having suggested these things to the brethren, you will be a good minister of Yahshua Messiah, having been nourished by the Words of faith, and by the good doctrine which you have followed. But refuse foolish and old-wives tales. And exercise yourself to righteousness. For bodily exercise is profitable to a little, but righteousness is profitable to all things, having promise of the present life now, and of that coming. (This means that righteousness benefits us both in this life and in the life to come.)
1 Timothy 4:6-8 (HRB)
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
The world teaches us that a long life is built on three foundational pillars: healthy nutrition, exercising regularly, and maintaining mental health (emotional, psychological, and social well-being). Sleep is quickly on its way to becoming the 4th pillar as scientists research its significance. Billions are spent each year on fitness programs, diet trends, and self-care strategies—all in pursuit of looking good and longevity. But is this truly the foundation of a full life? Or is there something far more valuable?
While these things have value, a real question remains. Should we be more focused on bodily health or righteousness? Better yet, should we spend all our time concerned about this life or eternity with 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH)? The Bible declares in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure (money) is, there your heart(H3820) will be also,” and our money is definitely in these three pillars. According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), Americans spent 308.71 billion on healthy food and weight loss products, 72.22 billion on fitness, and 107.91 billion on Mental Wellness in 2023.
- Consider your priorities: What you value most will get the most of your money, time, and attention.
- Consider your values: What you value and believe in will shape your actions.
- Consider your actions: What you focus on dictates your actions.
The answer to the questions is simple. Both bodily health and righteousness should be prioritized, but one must take precedence. Sha’ul (Paul) clarifies this distinction for us in 1 Timothy 4:8: ‘bodily exercise is profitable to a little(G3641), but righteousness is profitable to all things, having promise of the present life now, and of that coming.’ The three pillars may strengthen our bodies and lives here and now. Still, only righteousness secures our present and eternal well-being.
I submit today that true longevity is not just about the number of years we live but about the life we cultivate in obedience to 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH). In fact, true righteousness is the foundation that ultimately influences and enhances bodily health, unlike the other way around. Lastly, righteousness aligns the body, mind, and spirit with YAHUAH’s will, leading to true well-being. 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 (Yahusha) proclaimed to “seek first the kingdom of YAHWEH and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
For it was neither herb nor poultice that healed them, but Your Word, O YAHUAH, which heals all things.
Note: True healing comes from YAHUAH rather than just physical remedies.
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
Healthy Food
We are what we eat—both physically and spiritually. What we consume, whether food or doctrine, shapes who we are. This isn’t just a cliché; it’s a fact.
𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH) gave His people clear instructions on what is food and what is not. Yet, many still defile their bodies with things He never intended to be consumed. The bodies of Yahshar’el and the grafted-in branches (Romans 11:17-19) are not their own; they were created by YAHUAH, redeemed by 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 (Yahusha), and are now the dwelling place of YAHUAH’s Ruach (Spirit). Polluting them with unclean animals, lab-engineered chemicals, and addictive substances is an offense against the One who made us.
The modern food industry thrives on deception, pushing toxic, addictive garbage while calling it food. Here’s a list of some of the most common poisons people willingly put into their bodies:
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) – A cheap, artificial sugar that wreaks havoc on the liver and metabolism.
- Food Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, etc.) – Petroleum-based toxins that interfere with the body’s natural balance and increase cravings.
- Sodium Nitrite – A chemical preservative in processed meats, linked to cancer and heart disease.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – A flavor-enhancing drug that tricks the brain into overeating.
- Artificial Flavoring – A mix of lab-made chemicals designed to keep you addicted.
- Trans Fats – Industrial waste oils that destroy the heart and arteries (finally banned, but damage already done).
- Carrageenan – A thickening agent that inflames the gut and has been linked to cancer.
- Refined Flour – Stripped of nutrients, spikes insulin, and leaves people constantly hungry and malnourished.
The solution? Stop eating their poison. Read labels, eat whole foods, and reject the processed filth they market as “healthy.” But here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear: What you eat matters, but it is not the most important thing.
Paul clarified that physical food is temporary, but righteousness lasts forever. 1 Timothy 4:6-8 again tells us that bodily discipline has some value, but righteousness holds the promise of both this life and the life to come. Paul commanded Timothy to devote himself to Torah study (1 Timothy 4:13) because true strength doesn’t come from food—it comes from the Word of YAHUAH.
Note: Paul, Timothy, the Bereans, etc., were reading and studying the Hebrew Scriptures (Torah and the Prophets). These writings were exclusively relied upon to understand and interpret the teachings of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 (Yahusha), seeing these writings as the key source of righteousness, wisdom, and truth.
Deuteronomy 8:3 drives the point home: “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH).” It’s time to stop prioritizing the physical over the spiritual. People obsess over diets, meal plans, and exercise routines, yet they starve themselves of YAHUAH’s truth. The world teaches that health is found in food, fitness, and mental well-being, but YAHUAH teaches that life itself is found in His Word.
Your body is temporary. Your soul is eternal. What will it profit you in the end to have a gorgeous body, but lose your soul? Choose wisely.
Exercise vs Righteousness
Physical exercise has its benefits. It strengthens the body, improves endurance, and keeps us healthy. However, physical exercise has limitations—it benefits only the flesh, whereas righteousness benefits both body and soul. The discipline required for physical training is similar to the discipline necessary for spiritual growth. Just as one must train consistently to see results in the body, one must be diligent in the study and application of YAHUAH’s Word to grow in righteousness.
The Proverbs teach us to observe the ant, a creature of extraordinary diligence and discipline (Proverbs 6:6-8). If the ant, with its tiny stature, can be so industrious and persistent, how much more should we, who are called by YAHUAH’s name (Yahshar’el), be diligent in training ourselves in righteousness? Physical training has its place, but spiritual discipline is of greater worth.
Mental Health vs Righteousness
Mental health has become a significant focus in modern times, with many seeking peace and stability through various secular means. While it is essential to guard the mind, true mental and emotional well-being comes from YAHUAH’s Word. Isaiah 26:3 states, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
The world encourages meditation, therapy, and mindfulness, but without the foundation of YAHUAH’s wisdom, these things are temporary fixes. The true renewal of the mind comes from Torah (Romans 12:2), and peace comes from obedience to YAHUAH’s instructions. Anxiety, fear, and depression are real struggles, but 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH) has provided a way of escape through prayer, fasting, and immersion in His Word.
Conclusion
We are the righteousness of the Most High 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH) (2 Corinthians 5:21) and must act as such. Physical health is beneficial, but it is temporary. What we eat, how we exercise, and how we care for our minds all matter, but they pale in comparison to the nourishment that comes from righteousness. Sha’ul reminds us that righteousness has eternal value—it impacts both this life and the one to come.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH) and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Note: Righteousness brings healing and renewal to the body.
Who is the man who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Note: Righteous living leads to longevity, not just physical practices.
Psalm 34:12-14
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
Let us, therefore, train ourselves in righteousness, feeding on YAHUAH’s Word, and living in obedience, for that is where true life is found.
By: David Edwards – HalleluYAH – Praise YAH – Praise 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄
