Proverbs 17:22 web — A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

World English Bible

"A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

— Proverbs 17:22, World English Bible

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Proverbs 17:22 in Other Translations

3 versions All translations

ASV
“A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones. ”
American Standard Version · Read this chapter in ASV
BBE
“A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry.”
Bible in Basic English · Read this chapter in BBE
KJVA
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
King James Version with Apocrypha · Read this chapter in KJVA

Proverbs 17 — Context

He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.

One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

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.

Proverbs 17:22 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions

What does Proverbs 17:22 say?

Proverbs 17:22 in the World English Bible reads: “A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up 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 (WEB): “A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up 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.

Proverbs 17:22 web — A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Read in Another Translation

Proverbs 17:22 in Other Translations

Proverbs 17 — Context

Proverbs 17:22 — Frequently Asked Questions

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