Proverbs 17:22
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A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
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Our proverb's simile ("like a medicine") and metaphor ("drieth the bones") should not be dissected to endorse antibiotics or explain marrow drying in your bones. They are rather teaching the general health value of a happy outlook and attitude toward life.
Recent medical studies have confirmed this fact taught by Solomon 3000 years ago! Those who laugh and enjoy life will live longer. And we have a whole category of sicknesses and body maladies called psychosomatic (psycho = mind; somatic = body) illnesses, where the mind negatively affects physical health. Give God the glory!
A merry heart or broken spirit is a choice! They are not results of Fate, temperament, genetics, or health. And they are not the result of circumstances, for a cheerful person can choose to be happy in horrible difficulties, and a morose person can ruin a wonderful time. You can have a continual feast through life, if you have a joyful heart; but a person with a negative attitude can find something wrong with every day (15:15)! Consider it!
Christian joy is a command (Phil 4:4; I Thess 5:16); but the laughter of fools is sin (Eph 5:4; Eccl 7:6). Folly is no medicine: jesting is no balm. Both are perverse and destructive. Solomon called them madness (Ecc 2:2; 10:13). Our proverb is not teaching a foolish or naïve approach to life. It promises natural blessings on the spiritual fruit and commandment of joy; and it condemns a negative, critical, and unthankful heart.
Sin destroys a merry heart, for a child of God cannot be happy out of fellowship with His Father. David often described a broken spirit caused by sin (Ps 6:1-6; 38:1-11; 51:8-11). It dried him up, broke his bones, and miserably tormented him from the inside out. He spent his time crying and grieving, rather than rejoicing and living! So the simple first step to a merry heart and good health is to live a holy, blameless life.
Discontentment will ruin health, for all you can think about is what you do not have, even if you have much. Ahab's life was ruined because he could not have Naboth's vineyard (I Kgs 21:1-4), and Amnon fell sick out of lust for his sister (II Sam 13:1-4). No wonder the Holy Spirit teaches true success is godliness with contentment (I Tim 6:6)!
If you allow envy, bitterness, lust, resentment, or anger in your life, you are begging for the judgment of God and serious health problems. If you do not forgive others, God will not forgive you; and you will dry up your health by such an evil disposition.
But if you are joyful, loving, thankful, peaceful, forgiving, and full of praise, you will find the blessing of God and a therapeutic balm for your body. If you make the Lord the joy of your life, you will have a constant reason to be merry, regardless of circumstances.
Reader, the Preacher tells you to enjoy life today (Eccl 9:7-10). Will you heed His inspired advice, or will you allow sin and/or sinful attitudes to corrupt soul and body?
The Lord Jesus came to bind up the broken-hearted (Is 61:1-3). What more must He do to bring joy to your heart, a bounce to your step, a glow to your face, and health to your bones? He is a glorious Saviour and Friend, and those who know Him are forever happy.
There is nothing more refreshing and healthful than to examine yourself, confess your sins in private prayer, and then offer Him the sacrifices of praise and singing either alone or in the assembly! David had learned this well (Ps 32:11; 68:3; Hab 3:17-19). You will never dance with all your might until you learn these things. Take your medicine, reader!
You affect your health by more than diet, nutrition, exercise, exposure, and sleep. You affect it by your attitude and spirit. A happy and cheerful spirit will improve your health, but a wounded and negative spirit can ruin it. How is your attitude today? Do yourself a favor! Consider the wisdom here and choose to be cheerful in the Lord! Do it now!
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