Proverbs 17:22

What does Proverbs 17:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 17:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

A joyful mind maketh age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit drieth up the bones.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

Context

v.21He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy.

v.22This passage

v.23A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:7

    Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:10

    For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

  • Proverbs 12:25

    Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; But a good word maketh it glad.

  • Psalms 102:3

    For my days consume away like smoke, And my bones are burned as a firebrand.

  • Proverbs 18:14

    The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?

  • Romans 5:2

    through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Related questions readers ask

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Proverbs 17:22.