Why Nail Biters Don't Cry: Unveiling the Spiritual Truths Behind the Habit

Why Nail Biters Don't Cry

Key Point 1: Nails Tear Across, Not Downwards

Have you ever wondered why, when we bite or tear our fingernails, they tend to tear across the nail rather than downwards towards the nail bed? Researchers at the University of Manchester have found the answer to this question. They discovered that it takes twice as much energy to cut snippets of fingernails lengthwise compared to cutting them crosswise. This is actually a good thing because if our nails tore downwards, it would cause great pain and increase the risk of infection.

Why This Matters: Understanding why nails tear across instead of downwards helps us appreciate the design of our nails and how they protect our fingertips from damage and infection.

Think About It: The fact that our nails are designed to tear across is evidence of a purposeful design, rather than a random evolutionary process.

Key Point 2: The Strength of Fingernails

Fingernails are made up of three layers of tissue that contain a protein called keratin. When researchers analyzed nails under an electron microscope, they discovered that the central layer of the nail has keratin fibers that run parallel to the half moon at the base of the nail. These fibers prevent breaks from running down the entire nail. The two outer layers have randomly arranged keratin fibers, which provide strength.

Why This Matters: The strength of our nails is comparable to that of horses' hooves. This design feature allows us to perform tasks that require gripping and manipulating objects with our fingers.

Think About It: The incredible strength of our nails points to a deliberate design rather than a random occurrence.

Key Point 3: Similarities with Horses' Hooves

Zoologist John Gosline from the University of British Columbia has observed similarities between cracks in horses' hooves and human fingernails. Both hooves and nails are external structures that experience a mechanically stressful environment. The orientation of keratin fibers in hooves and nails is crucial because cracks running upwards instead of across could lead to infection, lameness, and even death in horses.

Why This Matters: The similarities between hooves and nails highlight the importance of the design feature that prevents cracks from running upwards. This design ensures the health and functionality of both structures.

Think About It: The shared design between hooves and nails suggests a common Designer rather than independent evolutionary processes.

Key Point 4: Strength Comparable to Horses' Hooves

The energy required to cut through our nails is as much as what is needed to cut through horses' hooves. This demonstrates the remarkable strength of our nails. The toughness of our nails protects the delicate skin at the tips of our fingers and prevents injuries and infections.

Why This Matters: The strength of our nails is evidence of careful design, providing us with the ability to perform tasks without constant damage or pain.

Think About It: Our nail strength points to a purposeful Creator who designed our bodies with precision and care.

Key Point 5: Fingernail Function

Fingernails serve multiple functions in addition to protecting our fingertips. They also help keep the skin at the tips of our fingers in place, making it easier for us to hold and manipulate objects. Without strong and intact nails, our ability to carry out everyday tasks would be significantly impaired.

Why This Matters: The functionality of our nails showcases the intricate design of our bodies, allowing us to interact with the world around us effectively.

Think About It: The complexity and usefulness of our nails point to a Creator who carefully engineered every aspect of our bodies.

Key Point 6: Nail Design Reflects Deliberate Creation

The unique design of our fingernails, their strength comparable to horses' hooves, and the prevention of cracks from running downwards towards the nail bed all point to an intentional Creator. The evidence strongly suggests that our nails did not come about by accident through evolutionary processes.

Why This Matters: Recognizing the deliberate design in our nails leads us to marvel at the incredible craftsmanship and wisdom of our Creator.

Think About It: The intricate design of our bodies should inspire us to acknowledge and worship the One who fearfully and wonderfully made us.

In conclusion, understanding why nails tear across instead of downwards provides insight into the purposeful design of our nails. Their strength, functionality, and similarities with horses' hooves all point to intentional creation rather than chance processes. Our nails exemplify the intricate craftsmanship and wisdom of our Creator, inviting us to recognize and appreciate His handiwork in every aspect of our bodies.