King James Version
Proverbs 17:22 in the King James Version says “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. like: or, to” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. like: or, to”
Proverbs 17:22 · KJV
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. He that hath a froward: Heb. The froward of heart
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. like: or, to
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding ; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“heart”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
“doeth good”
H3190to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
“spirit”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
“drieth”
H3001to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
“the bones”
H1634a bone (as the skeleton of the body); hence, self, i.e., (figuratively) very
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Proverbs 17:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 17:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge