Proverbs 17:22
“A merrie heart doth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
1611 King James Version (KJV)
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Proverbs 17:22 Context
20He that hath a froward heart, findeth no good, and he that hath a peruerse tongue, falleth into mischiefe. 21He that begetteth a foole, doth it to his sorrow: and the father of a foole hath no ioy. 22A merrie heart doth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 23A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosome, to peruert the wayes of iudgement. 24Wisedome is before him that hath vnderstanding: but the eyes of a foole are in the ends of the earth.
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Other Translations
A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
- King James Version
A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
- New American Standard Version (1995)
A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
- American Standard Version (1901)
A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry.
- Basic English Bible
A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
- Darby Bible
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
- Webster's Bible
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
- World English Bible
A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.
- Youngs Literal Bible
A merry heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible
- King James Version
A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
- New American Standard Version (1995)
A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
- American Standard Version (1901)
A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry.
- Basic English Bible
A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
- Darby Bible
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
- Webster's Bible
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
- World English Bible
A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.
- Youngs Literal Bible
A merry heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible
Bible commentary
Wesley's Notes for Proverbs 17:22
17:22 Doth good - Even to the body; it contributes much to bodily health and vigour. Drieth - Wastes the marrow of the bones, and the moisture and strength of the body.
Discussion for Proverbs 17
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Proverbs 17:22 Inspirational Image