The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings and practical advice for living a godly life. One well-known verse is Proverbs 17:22, which states “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” This profound statement reveals an important spiritual truth – that our attitude and mindset can have a real impact on our overall wellbeing.
Let’s explore the meaning behind this verse more fully:
1. A joyful heart is “good medicine”
The Hebrew word translated here as “medicine” can also mean “healing” or “remedy.” The point is that cheerfulness and joy have a restorative, healing effect on us, much like taking good medicine when we are sick. Having a merry heart brings a sense of emotional and even physical renewal.
When our outlook is positive, our burden feels lighter. Joy in the heart counteracts the weariness and struggles of life. A heart filled with the cheer and laughter of merriment re-energizes our soul. As Psalm 126:2 says “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.'”
2. It improves physical health
Medical research has demonstrated a clear link between mental state and physical health. Laughter and joy actually trigger positive physiological changes in the body. The effects of merriment include decreased stress hormones, increased endorphins, relaxed muscles, and boosted immune function. Truly, “a merry heart does good like a medicine.”
An abundance of scriptures affirm this connection between the condition of our heart and the welfare of our body. For example, Proverbs 14:30 says “A heart at peace gives life to the body.” And Proverbs 16:24 states “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
3. It lifts the spirit
The second part of Proverbs 17:22 describes the opposite – “a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Here we see the flip side, where depression and despair sap our strength and vitality. All the joy is drained from our spirit, leaving us worn down and weary.
But a merry heart has an uplifting effect. Nehemiah 8:10 encourages “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” Psalm 30:11 exclaims “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” A cheerful outlook fills our heart with song and our feet with dance.
4. It is contagious
Have you ever noticed how being around joyful people tends to lift your own mood? The spirit of merriment is infectious! It spreads in a positive ripple effect that touches others around us.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 urges us to seize opportunities for gladness: “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” When we overflow with cheerful joy, it influences people for good. As Psalm 68:3 declares, “may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.”
5. It pleases God
Most importantly, a merry heart brings delight to our Lord. Scripture assures us that God takes pleasure in the happiness of His children. Zephaniah 3:17 describes the Lord rejoicing over us with singing! And Psalm 147:11 says “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
When our heart overflows with spiritual joy, the Lord enjoys this as a fragrant offering. Hebrews 13:15 speaks of “a sacrifice of praise” and the “fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” May our cheerful words and disposition be a sweet aroma that ascends to God’s throne!
6. Examples in Scripture
The Bible contains many stories that illustrate the blessings of a merry heart. For example, after the ark of the covenant arrived in Jerusalem, David “celebrated before the Lord” with rejoicing and dancing (2 Samuel 6:14-16). Though his wife Michal scorned him, David declared “I will celebrate before the Lord!”
In Luke 15, Jesus tells the parable of the Prodigal Son. When the wayward young man returns home, the father calls for a great celebration. As Jesus explains in verse 32, “We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus. When He broke bread with them, their eyes were opened – and Luke 24:52 says “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” The merry heart recognizes and rejoices in God’s presence.
7. It attracts others to God
Our cheerful disposition can draw people closer to God. When others see the sincerity of our joy and peace, it sparks spiritual interest. They see the hope and comfort we have in Christ. Psalms 40:16 says to God: “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, ‘The LORD is great!'”
Of course, the gladness we share is not baseless positivity – it is grounded in God’s faithful promises. As Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Because of Christ’s finished work, we have unlimited reason to rejoice!
8. It sustains us through trials
When difficulties come, the merry heart anchored in God’s truth remains buoyant. Nehemiah 8:10 urges, “…the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Habakkuk 3:17-18 affirms we can still exult in God “though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food…” Why? Because “I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Paul and Silas demonstrated this supernatural joy while imprisoned. At midnight they sang and prayed so enthusiastically that other prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25). No matter our circumstances, God fills our heart with joyful praise!
9. It is our strength
A merry heart brings renewal, refreshing our spirit, mind and body. It is a fountain of vitality, nourishing us from within. As Nehemiah 8:10 encourages, “the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Proverbs 17:22 promises merriment gives “good medicine.”
In contrast, Proverbs 18:14 warns “A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” And Proverbs 15:13 cautions “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” Therefore, we must guard our heart’s joy diligently!
10. It should be our lifestyle
Rather than an occasional occurrence, joy is to be the perpetual state of our heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 instructs us to “Rejoice always.” Philippians 4:4 urges, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This abiding joy is possible because Christ dwells within us.
Psalm 16:11 promises “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” The merriment He gives is not fleeting, but remains with us. Habakkuk 3:18 resolves, “yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Every day, we can walk in cheerful hope and confidence!
Conclusion
A joyful heart releases healing, lifts our spirit, attracts others, pleases God, and renews our strength – both for today and eternally. Though problems will come, we can choose to rejoice in the Lord’s redemption and unfailing love. His promises give us every reason to laugh, dance, sing and be glad. The spirit of merriment He provides will sustain us through every season of life!