Proverbs 17:22

KJV

¶ A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

KJV (with Strong's)

A merry {H8056} heart {H3820} doeth good {H3190} like a medicine {H1456}: but a broken {H5218} spirit {H7307} drieth {H3001} the bones {H1634}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A happy heart is good medicine, but low spirits sap one's strength.

Berean Standard Bible

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

American Standard Version

A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 17:22 encapsulates a profound ancient wisdom regarding the intricate connection between one's inner emotional state and physical well-being. This proverb masterfully employs antithetical parallelism to contrast the life-affirming, restorative power of a joyful disposition with the debilitating, physically draining effects of a crushed or despondent spirit, offering timeless insight into holistic health and the psychosomatic reality of human existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 17:22 is situated within the broader collection of Solomonic wisdom, a book primarily characterized by its didactic nature and the use of various poetic devices, most notably parallelism. This particular verse employs antithetical parallelism, a common feature in Proverbs, where two contrasting ideas are presented to highlight a deeper truth. The chapter itself addresses a diverse range of topics related to human character, relationships, and the consequences of choices, often emphasizing the internal disposition's impact on external realities. Verse 22, therefore, fits seamlessly into this tapestry, serving as a concise, memorable aphorism that distills a complex truth about the human condition, reinforcing the book's overarching message that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but practical living that profoundly affects one's life outcomes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient cultures, there was a holistic understanding of the human person, where the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects were not seen as separate compartments but as an integrated whole. Illness was often perceived as having spiritual or emotional roots, and well-being was understood as a state of harmony. The "heart" (Hebrew: *lev*) in this context was not merely the anatomical organ but the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral character. Similarly, "spirit" (Hebrew: *ruach*) referred to one's inner disposition, breath, or vital force. The imagery of "bones" (Hebrew: *gerem*) represented the core strength, vitality, and very essence of a person. Thus, the proverb speaks to a cultural understanding that one's inner state profoundly impacts their physical vitality, a concept that resonates deeply with modern psychosomatic medicine.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 17:22 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Power of Inner Disposition**, asserting that one's emotional state is not passive but an active force that can either build up or tear down the body. This aligns with the wisdom found in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"), which admonishes the reader to "keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Secondly, the verse highlights the **Mind-Body Connection**, emphasizing that emotional health is inextricably linked to physical health, a truth echoed in various biblical texts where emotional distress leads to physical decay, such as [Psalm 32:3-4](/psalms/32-3 "Psalm 32:3-4 - The Physical Toll of Unconfessed Sin"). Lastly, it subtly promotes the theme of **Seeking Wisdom for Flourishing**, suggesting that cultivating a "merry heart" is not merely a matter of temperament but a wise pursuit that leads to well-being, while a "broken spirit" is a condition to be avoided or remedied for the sake of one's vitality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merry (Hebrew, _sâmêach'_):** From the root meaning "to be glad, joyful, rejoice." This word describes a state of inner cheerfulness, blitheness, or gleefulness. It's not merely superficial happiness but a deep-seated gladness of heart that can be a source of strength and vitality.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term is used widely and figuratively in Hebrew thought to represent the very core of a person—their feelings, will, intellect, and moral character. It signifies the inner self, the seat of one's disposition and inner life. A "merry heart" is thus a person whose inner being is characterized by joy.
* **Doeth good (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be (causative) make well." It encompasses being sound, beautiful, happy, successful, or right. In this context, it implies that a merry heart actively "makes well" or "benefits" the body, contributing to its health and flourishing.
* **Medicine (Hebrew, _gêhâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cure" or "to heal." This word directly translates to "a cure" or "medicine." The comparison is striking, asserting that the positive emotional state of a merry heart has a therapeutic, healing effect on the physical body, akin to a medicinal remedy.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _nâkêʼ'_):** From a root meaning "to smite" or "to strike." This word describes something that is smitten, afflicted, crushed, or wounded. A "broken spirit" is one that is deeply wounded, dejected, or severely distressed, indicating a state of profound inner suffering.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This term refers to the wind, breath, or vital force, and figuratively, the spirit of a rational being, including its expression and functions. In this context, it denotes one's inner disposition, vitality, or life-breath. A "broken spirit" signifies a crushed inner being, a loss of vital energy and resilience.
* **Drieth (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to dry up" or "to wither." It can also imply being ashamed or disappointed, as if failing. Here, it vividly describes a process of depletion, a wasting away, or a loss of moisture and vitality, much like a plant withers without water.
* **Bones (Hebrew, _gerem'_):** This refers to the bones as the skeleton, the structural core of the body. Figuratively, it represents one's strength, vigor, or the very essence of their being. To "dry the bones" is a powerful metaphor for a profound, pervasive weakening and loss of vitality throughout the entire person, affecting their core strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:"** This clause presents the positive correlation between emotional well-being and physical health. A "merry heart" (a joyful, cheerful inner disposition) is portrayed as having a beneficial and restorative effect on the body. The simile "like a medicine" emphasizes its therapeutic, healing, and life-sustaining qualities, suggesting that joy is not merely a pleasant feeling but an active agent in promoting physical vitality and recovery.
* **"but a broken spirit drieth the bones."** This contrasting clause reveals the detrimental impact of negative emotional states. A "broken spirit" (a crushed, dejected, or deeply sorrowful inner state) is depicted as having a profoundly debilitating effect. The vivid metaphor "drieth the bones" illustrates a severe loss of strength, vitality, and even the very essence of one's being. Bones, representing the body's core structure and strength, becoming "dry" signifies a wasting away, a deep physical and energetic depletion, akin to chronic illness or profound despair.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 17:22 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing **Antithetical Parallelism**. This device presents two opposing ideas in successive clauses, highlighting the truth through contrast. Here, the positive impact of a "merry heart" is juxtaposed with the negative effects of a "broken spirit," making the central message clear and memorable. The verse also utilizes powerful **Simile** ("like a medicine") and **Metaphor** ("drieth the bones"). The simile directly compares a merry heart's beneficial effect to a known therapeutic agent, making its restorative power tangible. The metaphor of "drying the bones" is particularly potent, as bones symbolize the very core of one's physical strength and vitality. This imagery evokes a sense of deep, pervasive debilitation, a wasting away from within, emphasizing the profound and destructive impact of a crushed spirit on the entire person. The use of these devices not only makes the proverb aesthetically pleasing but also enhances its persuasive power and memorability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on the holistic nature of humanity, created in God's image as integrated beings where spirit, soul, and body are intricately connected. It underscores the theological truth that our inner disposition is not incidental but foundational to our overall well-being, reflecting God's design for human flourishing. A merry heart, often linked to a heart at peace with God and others, reflects the fruit of the Spirit and the joy found in the Lord, which is presented as a source of strength and resilience. Conversely, a broken spirit can signify a soul burdened by sin, grief, or despair, leading to a spiritual and physical decline that mirrors the consequences of being estranged from God's life-giving presence. The proverb thus serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual disciplines that foster inner joy and the importance of addressing the root causes of spiritual brokenness for the sake of our complete health.

* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength"): "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
* [Psalm 32:3-4](/psalms/32-3 "Psalm 32:3-4 - Physical Effects of Unconfessed Sin"): "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah."
* [Proverbs 15:13](/proverbs/15-13 "Proverbs 15:13 - A Merry Heart Makes a Cheerful Countenance"): "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 17:22 offers a profound and practical lesson for daily living, urging us to recognize and actively cultivate an inner disposition of joy while diligently addressing the burdens that can lead to a broken spirit. It challenges the modern tendency to compartmentalize our physical and emotional health, reminding us that true well-being is holistic. We are called to be intentional about what we allow to nourish or deplete our inner lives, understanding that our emotional and spiritual states have tangible, physiological consequences. This means pursuing genuine joy not as a fleeting emotion but as a settled disposition rooted in faith and gratitude, and courageously confronting sorrow, grief, and despair through spiritual disciplines, community, and, when necessary, professional help. Embracing this wisdom allows us to live more fully, resiliently, and in alignment with God's design for our flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary sources of "merry heart" in your life, and how can you cultivate them more intentionally?**
* **In what ways might a "broken spirit" be manifesting in your own life, either emotionally, spiritually, or physically?**
* **How does this proverb challenge your understanding of health and well-being, moving beyond mere physical symptoms to address the state of your heart and spirit?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to either foster more joy or address a spirit that feels broken?**

### FAQ

**Does "merry heart" mean I should always be happy and ignore sadness?**

Answer: Not at all. The "merry heart" described in Proverbs 17:22 refers to a deep-seated disposition of joy, peace, and contentment, which can coexist with the realities of life's sorrows. It's not about superficial happiness or denying legitimate grief, but about cultivating an inner resilience and hope that transcends circumstances. The Bible acknowledges and validates sorrow (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 3:4](/ecclesiastes/3-4 "Ecclesiastes 3:4 - A Time to Weep and a Time to Laugh")), but it also encourages a spirit of joy rooted in God's faithfulness and promises (e.g., [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")). The proverb encourages us to actively seek out and nurture this life-giving joy, even amidst challenges, rather than allowing despair to take root and "dry the bones."

**How can a "broken spirit" literally "dry the bones"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful metaphor illustrating the profound and debilitating effects of deep emotional distress on the entire human system. While not a literal drying of bone tissue, it speaks to a severe loss of physical vitality, energy, and overall health. Modern science increasingly affirms the strong link between mental/emotional health and physical well-being (psychosomatic connection). Chronic stress, depression, and unaddressed grief can lead to weakened immune systems, inflammation, fatigue, and various physical ailments, effectively "drying up" one's strength and vigor. The biblical understanding of "bones" often refers to the core of one's being and strength, so "drying the bones" signifies a deep, pervasive weakening of the entire person, body and soul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 17:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the source of the "merry heart" that truly "doeth good like a medicine," offering a joy that is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in a right relationship with God. Jesus promised His disciples a joy that no one could take away (e.g., [John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Sorrow Will Turn Into Joy")), a deep, abiding peace that transcends worldly understanding (e.g., [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")). Conversely, Jesus also bore the "broken spirit" on our behalf, experiencing the ultimate sorrow and affliction in Gethsemane and on the cross, where His spirit was "exceeding sorrowful, even unto death" (e.g., [Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")). He allowed His body to be broken and His spirit to be crushed so that we might receive healing and life. Through His sacrifice, we are offered not merely a temporary remedy but a complete cure for the brokenness of our spirits, enabling us to live with the joy of salvation and the strength of His indwelling Spirit (e.g., [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - The God of Hope Fills Us with Joy and Peace")). Thus, the ancient wisdom of Proverbs points us to the One who perfectly embodies the life-giving power of a joyful spirit and who, by His suffering, redeems us from the debilitating effects of a broken one.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:13

¶ A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 12:25

¶ Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Proverbs 18:14

¶ The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

2 Corinthians 7:10

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Romans 5:2

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Ecclesiastes 9:7

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.