◄ Proverbs 17:22 ►
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Study Bible
A joyful heart
The phrase "a joyful heart" in Proverbs 17:22 emphasizes the importance of inner joy and contentment. The Hebrew word for "joyful" is "שָׂמֵחַ" (sameach), which conveys a sense of gladness and delight. In the biblical context, joy is often associated with a deep-seated sense of well-being that comes from a relationship with God. Historically, joy was seen as a gift from God, a fruit of the Spirit, and a sign of His presence. A joyful heart is not merely about external happiness but an internal state of being that reflects trust and faith in God's goodness and sovereignty.

is good medicine
The phrase "is good medicine" suggests that joy has a healing effect on the body and soul. The Hebrew word for "medicine" is "גֵּהָה" (gehah), which can also mean a cure or healing. This implies that joy and a positive outlook can contribute to physical health and emotional well-being. In ancient times, the connection between emotional and physical health was recognized, and this proverb highlights the holistic nature of well-being. From a scriptural perspective, joy is seen as a divine remedy that can uplift the spirit and promote healing, much like a balm that soothes and restores.

but a broken spirit
The phrase "but a broken spirit" contrasts the effects of joy with the consequences of a downcast or crushed spirit. The Hebrew word for "broken" is "נְכֵאָה" (neke'ah), which implies being stricken, wounded, or afflicted. A broken spirit refers to a state of despair, hopelessness, or deep sorrow. In the biblical narrative, a broken spirit is often associated with sin, guilt, or separation from God. It reflects a condition where one's inner vitality is diminished, leading to spiritual and emotional distress. This phrase serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing negative emotions to dominate one's life.

dries up the bones
The phrase "dries up the bones" vividly illustrates the detrimental effects of a broken spirit on one's physical health. The Hebrew word for "dries up" is "יְבַשׁ" (yevash), which means to wither or become parched. "Bones" in Hebrew, "עֲצָמוֹת" (atzamot), symbolize strength and vitality. Thus, this phrase suggests that a broken spirit can sap one's strength and lead to physical deterioration. In ancient times, bones were considered the core of one's physical being, and their drying up symbolized a loss of life force. This imagery underscores the profound impact that emotional and spiritual states can have on physical health, reinforcing the need for a joyful heart as a source of life and vitality.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human nature and godly living are reflected throughout the book of Proverbs.

2. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.

3. The Heart
In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of emotions, thoughts, and intentions. It is not just the seat of feelings but also the core of one's being and decision-making.

4. The Spirit
The spirit in this context refers to one's inner life or emotional state. A "broken spirit" suggests deep emotional distress or depression.

5. Medicine
In ancient times, medicine was often derived from natural sources and was used to heal physical ailments. Here, it is metaphorically used to describe the healing power of joy.
Teaching Points
The Healing Power of Joy
Joy is not merely an emotion but a spiritual state that can bring healing and restoration to our lives. Cultivating a joyful heart can have positive effects on both our physical and spiritual well-being.

Guarding Against a Broken Spirit
A broken spirit can lead to despair and physical decline. It is important to seek God's presence and community support to prevent and heal from emotional distress.

The Role of Gratitude
Practicing gratitude can foster a joyful heart. By focusing on God's blessings and faithfulness, we can maintain a positive outlook even in challenging times.

Community and Encouragement
Being part of a supportive community can help maintain a joyful heart. Encouraging one another and sharing in each other's joys and burdens is vital for spiritual health.

Prayer and Meditation
Regular prayer and meditation on God's Word can help cultivate a joyful heart. By aligning our thoughts with God's promises, we can experience His peace and joy.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can you cultivate a joyful heart in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to maintain it?

2. Reflect on a time when joy acted as "good medicine" in your life. How did it impact your physical and emotional well-being?

3. What are some ways you can support someone with a broken spirit, based on biblical principles?

4. How does the concept of joy in Proverbs 17:22 connect with the joy described in Philippians 4:4-7?

5. In what ways can gratitude and thanksgiving help prevent a broken spirit, and how can you incorporate these practices into your spiritual routine?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 8:10
This verse speaks of the joy of the Lord being one's strength, highlighting the sustaining power of joy in the life of a believer.

Philippians 4:4-7
Paul encourages believers to rejoice always and to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, which leads to peace that guards the heart and mind.

Psalm 34:18
This verse assures that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, offering hope and comfort.
Sermons
A Cheerful SpiritHomiletic ReviewProverbs 17:22
Bodily Health Depending on Mental MoodsD. Thomas, D. D.Proverbs 17:22
Mental and Bodily InfluenceH. Melvill, B. D.Proverbs 17:22
The Effects of Cheerfulness and of DespondencyH. Belfrage, D. D.Proverbs 17:22
Fatherhood and SonshipW. Clarkson Proverbs 17:6, 21, 25
Use and NeglectW. Clarkson Proverbs 17:16, 24
Varied Experiences of Good and Evil in LifeE. Johnson Proverbs 17:21-28
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Body, Bone, Bones, Broken, Cheerful, Crushed, Downcast, Dries, Drieth, Dry, Glad, Healing, Healthy, Heart, Joyful, Makes, Medicine, Merry, Promoteth, Rejoicing, Smitten, Spirit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 17:22

     4819   dryness
     5014   heart, human
     5137   bones
     5173   outward appearance
     5405   medicine
     5938   sadness
     8713   discouragement

Library
April 8. "A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine" (Prov. xvii. 22).
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" (Prov. xvii. 22). King Solomon left among his wise sayings a prescription for sick and sad hearts, and it is one that we can safely take. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Joy is the great restorer and healer. Gladness of spirit will bring health to the bones and vitality to the nerves when all other tonics fail, and all other sedatives cease to quiet. Sick one, begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an herb, and your cheeks …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

September 12. "The Furnace for Gold; but the Lord Trieth the Hearts" (Prov. xvii. 3. )
"The furnace for gold; but the Lord trieth the hearts" (Prov. xvii. 3.) Remember that temptation is not sin unless it be accompanied with the consent of your will. There may seem to be even the inclination, and yet the real choice of your spirit is fixed immovably against it, and God regards it simply as a solicitation and credits you with an obedience all the more pleasing to Him, because the temptation was so strong. We little know how evil can find access to a pure nature and seem to incorporate …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Unrivalled Friend
A sermon (No. 899) delivered on Lord's Day morning, November 7th, 1869, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."--Proverbs 17:17. There is one thing about the usefulness of which all men are agreed, namely, friendship; but most men are soon aware that counterfeits of friendship are common as autumn leaves. Few men enjoy from others the highest and truest form of friendship. The friendships of this world are …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Its Meaning
Deliverance from the condemning sentence of the Divine Law is the fundamental blessing in Divine salvation: so long as we continue under the curse, we can neither be holy nor happy. But as to the precise nature of that deliverance, as to exactly what it consists of, as to the ground on which it is obtained, and as to the means whereby it is secured, much confusion now obtains. Most of the errors which have been prevalent on this subject arose from the lack of a clear view of the thing itself, and …
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

Religion a Weariness to the Natural Man.
"He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him."--Isaiah liii. 2. "Religion is a weariness;" such is the judgment commonly passed, often avowed, concerning the greatest of blessings which Almighty God has bestowed upon us. And when God gave the blessing, He at the same time foretold that such would be the judgment of the world upon it, even as manifested in the gracious Person of Him whom He sent to give it to us. "He hath no form nor …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and Death.
THAT early spring-tide in Galilee was surely the truest realisation of the picture in the Song of Solomon, when earth clad herself in garments of beauty, and the air was melodious with songs of new life. [2625] It seemed as if each day marked a widening circle of deepest sympathy and largest power on the part of Jesus; as if each day also brought fresh surprise, new gladness; opened hitherto unthought-of possibilities, and pointed Israel far beyond the horizon of their narrow expectancy. Yesterday …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Cæsarius of Arles.
He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches.
Text: Philippians 1, 3-11. 3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
[ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This treatise was first published in 1688, after Bunyan's death, at the end of the second edition of the Barren Fig Tree, with a black border round the title. It was continued in the third edition 1692, but was subsequently omitted, although the Barren Fig Tree was printed for the same publisher. It has been printed in every edition of Bunyan's Works. Respect for the judgment of others leads me to allow it a place in the first complete edition, although I have serious …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Nature of Justification
Justification in the active sense (iustificatio, {GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER KAPPA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER OMEGA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is defined by the Tridentine Council as "a translation from that state wherein man is born a child of the first Adam, to the state of grace and of the adoption of the sons of God through the second Adam, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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