Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
King James Version
World English Bible (WEB)
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
American Standard Version (ASV)
A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
ComfortGratitude GrievingWeary
What this verse means
A cheerful heart is described as good medicine for the whole person.
A short prayer
Lord, give me a merry heart today — the kind that works like medicine.
Read in context — Proverbs 17
20He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
23A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
24Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Related verses
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”James 1:12
“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”John 1:5
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”John 14:1
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”John 15:5
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”Lamentations 3:22