Proverbs 17:22 kjva — A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

King James Version with Apocrypha

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

— Proverbs 17:22, King James Version with Apocrypha

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Proverbs 17:22 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

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.

Proverbs 17:22 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 17:22 say?
Proverbs 17:22 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
Where is Proverbs 17:22 in the Bible?
Proverbs 17:22 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 22.
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.
What translation should I read Proverbs 17:22 in?
Proverbs 17:22 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?
Proverbs 17:22 reads (KJVA): “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” 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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