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Proverbs 17:21

Proverbs 17:22-1953 kjv — A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the b…

King James Version

22

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

23

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

24

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

25

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

26

Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

27

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

— Proverbs 17:22-1953, King James Version

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Proverbs 17:22-1953 in Other Translations

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  • ASV

    “A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones. A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice. Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him. Also to punish the righteous is not good, Norto smite the noble fortheiruprightness. He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent. ”

  • WEB

    “A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity. He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.”

  • DRB

    “A joyful mind maketh age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit drieth up the bones. The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment. Wisdom shineth in the face of the wise: the eyes of fools are in the ends of the earth. A foolish son is the anger of the father: and the sorrow of the mother that bore him. It is no good thing to do hurt to the just: nor to strike the prince, who judgeth right. He that setteth bounds to his words, is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit. Even a fool, if he will hold his peace, shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding. ”

  • BBE

    “A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry. A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause. Wisdom is before the face of him who has sense; but the eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitter pain to her who gave him birth. To give punishment to the upright is not good, or to give blows to the noble for their righteousness. He who has knowledge says little: and he who has a calm spirit is a man of good sense. Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.”

  • KJVA

    “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 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. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. ”

Proverbs 17 — Context

19

He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

20

He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

21

He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

22

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

23

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

24

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

25

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

26

Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

27

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Proverbs 17:22-1953 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 17:22-1953 say?
Proverbs 17:22-1953 in the King James Version reads: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 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. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. ”
Where is Proverbs 17:22-1953 in the Bible?
Proverbs 17:22-1953 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 17, verses 22–1953.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 17:22-1953.
What translation should I read Proverbs 17:22-1953 in?
Proverbs 17:22-1953 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 17:22-1953?
Proverbs 17:22-1953 reads (KJV): “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 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. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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