Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
In context
19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction. 20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
21 To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 23 The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice. 24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 17:22 in the KJV
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 17:22 in the ESV
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.