Proverbs 17:22 - The Good Medicine of Joy

Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Message: The Good Medicine of Joy

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: 

I know this proverb is the truth. I know that it is good to have joy. I remember working at a Christian book store in the 90s, before the kids were born, and the comment by the owner's wife was that I always looked miserable. I think they were actually thinking about letting me go because that was my demeanor. I don't know if I am thoughtful or feel burdened or what. I do know it is my nature to stay as busy as I can in tasks and sometimes I make things more complicated than they should be. I also generally take on tasks that require a lot of work. I notice people at my work place that always have this joy or happiness towards life. They smile often. Yet, I think they are living this way without having a personal relationship with Jesus. I do have this and yet, why do I not have more joy. I do think I am improving. 

Solomon uses the term "medicine" as if to say that a joyful heart promotes health. A "broken spirit" that is this way because of affliction or conscience of sins "dries the bones" or destroys life. The ancients recognized the link between mental and spiritual tranquility and physical health.

Other Proverbs: 

• Proverbs 14:30 - A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
• Proverbs 15:13 - A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

From Our Daily Walk: 

We can promote a cheerful heart by dwelling on the bright things of our lot; by counting up the mercies which are left, rather than dwelling on what we have lost. When the heart is full of the light and love of God, can it be other than cheerful? How can this be obtained except by a living union with Jesus Christ. In Him there is an infinitude of supply of peace and joy, sunshine and light.

From Our Daily Walk:  

In a Better Homes and Gardens article titled “Laugh Your Way to Good Health, ”Nick Gallo made an observation that echoes what Solomon wrote thousands of years ago:“ A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Gallo said,“ Humor is good medicine-and can actually help keep you in good health.” He quoted William F. Fry, M.D., who describes laughter as “inner jogging” and says that it’s good for a person’s cardiovascular system.

Comparing laughter to exercise, Gallo pointed out that when a person laughs heartily several physical benefits occur. There’s a temporary lowering of blood pressure, a decreased rate of breathing, and a reduction in muscle tension. He said that many people sense a “relaxed afterglow.” He concluded, “An enduring sense of humor, especially combined with other inner resources such as faith and optimism, appears to be a potent force for better health.”

Christians, above all others, should benefit from laughter because we have the greatest reason to be joyful. Our faith is firmly rooted in God, and our optimism is based on the assurance that our lives are under His wise control. 

From Our Daily Walk:

Entertainers who can make people hilarious with their humor draw fabulous sal­aries. Laugh meters register the success of a performer, and mil-lions subscribe to the old axiom, "Laughter is the best medicine." We who know the Lord recognize that the adage just quoted contains a good deal of truth. However, we also realize that the world's gaiety is usually shallow, because it does not come from within, nor arise from true contentment of spirit. What men really need is the "deep-down laughter of the heart." Therefore the writer of Proverbs says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Physicians will confirm that people with true faith in God and a real "will to live" have a much better rate of sur­vival than downhearted, depressed individuals. Yes, "laughter of the heart" is a splendid "medicine"!

The words "rejoice" and "joy" appear in the Bible hundreds of times. Think of Paul writing his epistles from a Roman prison and saying, "Rejoice, and again I say rejoice!" Yet, when we think it through, this is not so strange, for believers should be the most contented of all people, knowing that their Savior has forgiven their sins, given them peace with God, and that He con­stantly guides their feet. Then, to crown it all, eternal glory also awaits them at the end of their earthly road. No wonder the Psalmist exclaims, "Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous" (Ps. 97:12). 

Promise: This is a truth I need to see more of in my life.