What does Proverbs 17:22 mean?
ESV: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
NIV: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
NASB: A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
CSB: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
NLT: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
KJV: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
NKJV: A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Verse Commentary:
Solomon offers sound medical advice in this verse. A person's attitude affects his outlook on life and even his health. If he is joyful, negative circumstances don't knock him off balance and cause him to despair. Over the centuries, medicine has become more and more aware of the influence a person's happiness has on their overall health. The ultimate source of joy is found in a relationship with Christ (Proverbs 10:28; John 15:11). The believer can rejoice in the Lord, as Paul did even when he was a prisoner in Rome. From his imprisonment, he urged the Philippian believers to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1; 4:4). Instead of looking around at circumstances, a joyful believer looks to the Lord and rejoices in Him.
In contrast, being mentally beaten down leads to the physical symptoms of severe depression. Whoever fails to look to God and His faithful goodness becomes joyless and loses hope. He develops what Solomon calls "a crushed spirit." A crushed spirit produces ill-health, perhaps high blood pressure, ulcers, lack of energy, heart disease, or general malaise. The apostle James advocated for a resilient spirit even in the face of trials. He writes in James 1:2, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with trials of various kinds."
Verse Context:
Proverbs 17:22–28 continues Solomon's wise sayings. He commends a joyful heart, a calm spirit, and controlled speech, but he points out the bad effects of sins of negativity, bribery, imposing fines on righteous people, and opposing the righteous.
Chapter Summary:
This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 10 began a lengthy series of Solomon's statements of wisdom. This chapter continues by noting concepts such as honesty, controlled speech, and family harmony. The list continues into chapter 22.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
Accessed 5/4/2024 11:17:16 AM
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