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Proverbs 17:22
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
22 A joyful heart bringeth good recovery; And a broken spirit drieth the bones. The heart is the centre of the individual life, and the condition and the tone of the heart communicates itself to this life, even to its outermost circumference; the spirit is the power of self-consciousness which, according as it is lifted up or broken, also lifts up or breaks down the condition of the body (Psychol. p. 199), vid., the similar contrasted phrases לב שׂמח and רוּח נכאה, Pro 15:13. The ἄπ. λεγ. גּהה (here and there in Codd. incorrectly written גּיהה) has nothing to do with the Arab. jihat, which does not mean sight, but direction, and is formed from wjah (whence wajah, sight), like עדה, congregation, from ועד (יעד). The Syr., Targ. (perhaps also Symmachus: ἀγαθύνει ἡλικίαν; Jerome: aetatem floridam facit; Luther: makes the life lstig [cheerful]) translate it by body; but for this גּוה (גּויּה) is used, and that is a word of an entirely different root from גּהה. To what verb this refers is shown by Hos 5:13 : ולא־יגהה מכּם מזור, and healed not for you her ulcerous wound. מזור is the compress, i.e., the bandage closing up the ulcer, then also the ulcer-wound itself; and גּהה is the contrary of עלה, e.g., Jer 8:22; it means the removing of the bandage and the healing of the wound. This is confirmed by the Syr. gho, which in like manner is construed with min, and means to be delivered from something (vid., Bernstein's Lex. Syr. to Kirsch's Chrestomathie). The Aethiop. quadriliteral gâhgěh, to hinder, to cause to cease, corresponds to the causative Syr. agahish. Accordingly גּהה means to be in the condition of abatement, mitigation, healing; and גּהה (as synonym of כּהה, Neh 3:19, with which Parchon combines it), levamen, levatio, in the sense of bodily healing (lxx εὐεκτεῖν ποιεῖ; Venet., after Kimchi, ἀγαθυνεῖ θεραπείαν); and היטיב גּהה (cf. Pro 15:2) denotes, to bring good improvement, to advance powerfully the recovery. Schultens compares the Arab. jahy, nitescere, disserenari, as Menahem has done ננהּ, but this word is one of the few words which are explained exclusively from the Syriac (and Aethiop.). גּרם (here and at Pro 25:15) is the word interchanging with עצם, Pro 15:30; Pro 16:24.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 14:30; Pro 15:13). The effect of the mind on the body is well known. medicine--or, "body," which better corresponds with "bone." drieth--as if the marrow were exhausted.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A merry heart doth good like a medicine,.... Does the body good, makes it healthful and vigorous. Cheerfulness of spirit has a great influence upon the body, and much contributes to the health and welfare of it; see Ecc 9:7; and especially a heart full of spiritual joy, peace of conscience, flowing from the blood of Christ, joy in the Holy Ghost, a rejoicing in Christ Jesus and his righteousness, and in hope of the glory of God, much affect even the outward man. Or, "a merry heart makes a good medicine" (x); it is a good medicine of itself; raises the spirits, invigorates the body, and fits it for service and business: or, "does a medicine good" (y); makes that operate kindly, and to a good purpose: or, as Jarchi, makes the countenance shine well, makes a serene countenance; which Schultens approves, and, from the use of the word in the Arabic language, confirms; but a broken spirit drieth the bones; a spirit broken with sorrow, whether on spiritual or temporal accounts; as it weakens the nerves, it dries up the marrow in the bones, and emaciates the body, and reduces it to a skeleton: the joy or grief of the mind, those passions of the soul, have a very great influence upon the body, either for its good or hurt. (x) "cor hilare bonam facit sanationem", Michaelis. (y) So R. Joseph Kimchi; "bonificat sive meliorem reddit medicinam", some in Valablus; "bene medicinam facit", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. It is healthful to be cheerful. The Lord is for the body, and has provided for it, not only meat, but medicine, and has here told us that the best medicine is a merry heart, not a heart addicted to vain, carnal, sensual mirth; Solomon himself said of that mirth, It is not medicine, but madness; it is not food, but poison; what doth it? But he means a heart rejoicing in God, and serving him with gladness, and then taking the comfort of outward enjoyments and particularly that of pleasant conversation. It is a great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful and cause to be cheerful, especially if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful. This does good to a medicine (so some read it); it will make physic more efficient. Or it does good as a medicine to the body, making it easy and fit for business. But, if mirth be a medicine (understand it of diversion and recreation), it must be used sparingly, only when there is occasion, not turned into food, and it must be used medicinally, sub regimine - as a prescribed regimen, and by rule. 2. The sorrows of the mind often contribute very much to the sickliness of the body: A broken spirit, sunk by the burden of afflictions, and especially a conscience wounded with the sense of guilt and fear of wrath, dries the bones, wastes the radical moisture, exhausts the very marrow, and makes the body a mere skeleton. We should therefore watch and pray against all melancholy dispositions, for they lead us into trouble as well as into temptation.
Proverbs 17:22
Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
21A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy. 22A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What the Christian Can Loose
By Jack Hyles1.6K56:38BackslidingPSA 30:5PSA 126:1PSA 126:5PRO 17:22MAT 6:33JHN 15:4GAL 6:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the answer to all of our problems, including pollution, morals, narcotics, and more, is the gospel of Jesus Christ. He calls for a generation of preachers who boldly proclaim the message of being born again. The preacher shares a personal story of a man who was initially skeptical of his preaching but was ultimately touched by the love and conviction he witnessed in the church. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the story of David, highlighting how he lost his power when he allowed himself to be consumed by lust and sin.
Building a Godly Home (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:02:11PSA 127:1PRO 17:22PRO 22:6PRO 31:10EPH 5:25COL 3:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of building strong, godly homes as the foundation for a healthy church. It highlights the need for husbands and wives to have a good relationship, appreciate each other, and encourage one another in faith. The speaker encourages parents to pray with their children, be honest about their mistakes, and create a joyful atmosphere in the home by sharing jokes and laughter.
Surviving Pitfalls
By George Verwer96057:32PitfallsPRO 17:22MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 6:10EPH 6:14EPH 6:24PHP 3:14COL 3:13HEB 12:1JAS 1:191PE 5:81JN 1:9In this video, the speaker shares about his transformative trip to India, which changed the course of his life and the ministry of OM. He emphasizes the importance of being strong in the Lord and putting on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. The speaker encourages the audience to mark their Bibles and highlights the power of forgiveness, urging Christians to practice it even in the face of adversity. The video concludes with a reminder that Jesus Christ is Lord and invites the audience to personally declare Him as their Lord.
Strengthening Your Weakest Link
By Gary Wilkerson9143:54Christian LifeStrengthening WeaknessesWholeness in MinistryPRO 17:22MAT 11:28JHN 10:10ROM 12:11CO 6:19GAL 6:2PHP 4:131TH 4:11TH 5:23HEB 12:1Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of addressing the weakest links in our lives and ministries, sharing five practical elements that can lead to a sustainable and joyful ministry. He encourages listeners to focus on their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, highlighting the need for balance and wholeness in every aspect of life. Wilkerson stresses that true success in ministry comes from being pleasing to God and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends. He reminds us that our identity should not be tied solely to our ministry success, but rather in our relationship with Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to strengthen the frayed areas of our lives to serve God effectively.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit 3
By John Brown0PRO 17:22JHN 4:13JHN 7:37ROM 8:20HEB 4:12John Brown preaches about the three-fold makeup of man, emphasizing the inseparable connection between the body, soul, and spirit, and how satisfying one cannot satisfy the other. He highlights the deep thirst within every person for God, explaining that Jesus offers the ultimate satisfaction for this need by providing living water that gushes out of believers' innermost being through the Holy Spirit. Brown challenges the congregation to examine if the Holy Spirit is truly overflowing in their lives, indicating a submission to the power of God's Spirit.
A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine
By A.B. Simpson0JoyHealingNEH 8:10PSA 30:5PSA 126:2PRO 17:22ISA 61:3JHN 15:11ROM 15:13PHP 4:41TH 5:16JAS 1:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the healing power of joy in his sermon 'A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine.' He cites King Solomon's wisdom, asserting that a merry heart acts as a restorative medicine for both body and spirit. Simpson encourages listeners to rejoice in the Lord regardless of their circumstances, as joy can counteract worry and fear, which are detrimental to health. He reminds us that God commands us to be glad, promising that He will empower us to follow this command. Ultimately, the joy of the Lord serves as our strength and healing balm.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Part 3)
By Chuck Smith0Spiritual ThirstBaptism Of The Holy SpiritPRO 17:22ISA 44:3JHN 4:14JHN 7:37ACT 2:38ACT 8:14ACT 9:17ACT 19:1ROM 8:9HEB 4:12Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, distinguishing it as a separate experience from salvation. He illustrates how this baptism fulfills the deep spiritual thirst within every person, as Jesus invites those who are thirsty to come to Him for living water. Smith references biblical accounts, including the experiences of the disciples and the Samaritans, to demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. He encourages the congregation to seek a relationship with the Holy Spirit that overflows with love and power, urging them to not settle for less than God's promise of spiritual abundance.
Amusements
By J.R. Miller0Balance of Amusement and ResponsibilityJoy in ChristianityPSA 16:11PRO 17:22ECC 3:12MAT 11:28JHN 10:10ROM 14:171CO 10:31GAL 5:22EPH 5:16COL 3:17J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of amusement in the Christian life, arguing against the notion that all forms of pleasure are sinful. He highlights that true Christian joy reflects the character of Christ, who, despite his sorrows, embodied joy and did not frown upon innocent pleasures. Miller asserts that while Christians should engage in proper amusements that rejuvenate and uplift, they must also be discerning, ensuring that their choices align with their spiritual growth and moral standards. He encourages believers to create and participate in wholesome activities that foster joy and community, rather than condemning all forms of amusement. Ultimately, Miller calls for a balanced approach to life that integrates joy with responsibility, reflecting the true essence of Christian living.
How Not to Show Sympathy
By J.R. Miller0EncouragementSympathyPRO 17:22MAT 5:16ROM 12:152CO 1:4GAL 6:2PHP 4:8COL 3:21TH 5:11JAS 1:21PE 5:7J.R. Miller discusses the concept of sympathy and how asking someone about their feelings can sometimes lead to self-pity rather than healing. He illustrates this with examples of individuals who crave sympathy and recount their troubles, suggesting that true kindness may involve encouraging others to focus on hope and positivity instead. Miller emphasizes that the act of asking 'How are you feeling today?' can be burdensome and counterproductive, advocating for a more uplifting greeting like 'Good morning' instead. He argues that this approach not only saves time but also fosters a more positive interaction, aligning with the teachings of Jesus about focusing on the mission rather than personal woes.
Nehemiah 8:9
By Chuck Smith0Strength through JoyJoy in the LordNEH 8:10PSA 16:11PRO 17:22LUK 2:10JHN 15:11ROM 15:13GAL 5:22PHP 4:41TH 5:16JUD 1:24Chuck Smith emphasizes the profound joy found in the Lord, contrasting it with a historical view of spirituality that equated holiness with sadness. He highlights that true joy comes from knowing our sins are forgiven and walking with Jesus, who offers a fullness of joy through fellowship and prayer. This joy not only strengthens us in difficult times but also serves as a powerful witness to others, drawing them towards the happiness that comes from a relationship with God. Smith encourages believers to recognize that the joy of the Lord is both attractive and contagious, capable of uplifting those around us.
William Guthrie
By Alexander Whyte0PSA 51:17PSA 126:5PRO 3:5PRO 17:22MAT 5:42CO 7:10PHP 4:72TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 4:8Alexander Whyte preaches about the life of William Guthrie, a great humorist, sportsman, preacher, and writer, who found solace in humor and sports to alleviate his melancholy. Despite his struggles, Guthrie's humor and sportsmanship were always noble and pious, leading to a humbler walk with God. Guthrie's practical preaching style attracted broken hearts and anxious inquirers from far and wide, making him the greatest practical preacher in Scotland. Additionally, Guthrie's small book, 'The Great Interest,' highly praised by John Owen and Thomas Chalmers, is scientifically exact in addressing matters of the soul, demonstrating the author's deep understanding and practical approach to spiritual exercises.
Hide Your Pain
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PRO 17:22ISA 60:1MAT 5:161CO 16:14EPH 4:32Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of spreading love and joy to others, whether we are blessed or sad, emphasizing the impact of our attitudes on those around us. She highlights the unkindness of spreading negativity and the beauty of bringing sunshine into the lives of others, even when we are facing darkness ourselves. Tileston encourages hiding our pains while using them as motivation to show kindness and humor to those around us, allowing the spirit of Jesus to shine through us.
Wholesome or Unwholesome Living
By J.R. Miller0Influence of CharacterWholesome LivingPRO 17:22ISA 26:3MAT 5:16JHN 15:12ROM 12:10GAL 5:22PHP 4:8COL 3:231TH 5:111JN 4:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the contrast between wholesome and unwholesome living, illustrating how wholesome individuals positively influence their surroundings with cheerfulness, love, and activity, while unwholesome individuals often succumb to negativity and morbidness. He explains that true wholesomeness encompasses not just physical health but also mental and spiritual well-being, urging believers to cultivate a heart filled with God's love and to actively engage in helping others. Miller highlights that a wholesome life is marked by generosity, forgiveness, and a focus on the good in others, ultimately reflecting Christ's love. He concludes that a life lived in accordance with God's Word is a source of inspiration and blessing to the world.
The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength.
By F.B. Meyer0Strength through JoyJoy in the LordNEH 8:10PRO 17:22GAL 5:22F.B. Meyer emphasizes that true strength comes from the joy of the Lord, contrasting it with the fleeting joy of the world that masks deeper sorrow. He explains that a joyful heart is vital for effective living, as it energizes and motivates us to serve others selflessly. This divine joy is rooted in the assurance of God's forgiveness and flourishes even in trials, independent of external circumstances. Meyer encourages believers to seek joy in God Himself, which naturally overflows to uplift others and spread hope. Ultimately, the joy of the Lord not only strengthens us but also becomes a source of light for those around us.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
22 A joyful heart bringeth good recovery; And a broken spirit drieth the bones. The heart is the centre of the individual life, and the condition and the tone of the heart communicates itself to this life, even to its outermost circumference; the spirit is the power of self-consciousness which, according as it is lifted up or broken, also lifts up or breaks down the condition of the body (Psychol. p. 199), vid., the similar contrasted phrases לב שׂמח and רוּח נכאה, Pro 15:13. The ἄπ. λεγ. גּהה (here and there in Codd. incorrectly written גּיהה) has nothing to do with the Arab. jihat, which does not mean sight, but direction, and is formed from wjah (whence wajah, sight), like עדה, congregation, from ועד (יעד). The Syr., Targ. (perhaps also Symmachus: ἀγαθύνει ἡλικίαν; Jerome: aetatem floridam facit; Luther: makes the life lstig [cheerful]) translate it by body; but for this גּוה (גּויּה) is used, and that is a word of an entirely different root from גּהה. To what verb this refers is shown by Hos 5:13 : ולא־יגהה מכּם מזור, and healed not for you her ulcerous wound. מזור is the compress, i.e., the bandage closing up the ulcer, then also the ulcer-wound itself; and גּהה is the contrary of עלה, e.g., Jer 8:22; it means the removing of the bandage and the healing of the wound. This is confirmed by the Syr. gho, which in like manner is construed with min, and means to be delivered from something (vid., Bernstein's Lex. Syr. to Kirsch's Chrestomathie). The Aethiop. quadriliteral gâhgěh, to hinder, to cause to cease, corresponds to the causative Syr. agahish. Accordingly גּהה means to be in the condition of abatement, mitigation, healing; and גּהה (as synonym of כּהה, Neh 3:19, with which Parchon combines it), levamen, levatio, in the sense of bodily healing (lxx εὐεκτεῖν ποιεῖ; Venet., after Kimchi, ἀγαθυνεῖ θεραπείαν); and היטיב גּהה (cf. Pro 15:2) denotes, to bring good improvement, to advance powerfully the recovery. Schultens compares the Arab. jahy, nitescere, disserenari, as Menahem has done ננהּ, but this word is one of the few words which are explained exclusively from the Syriac (and Aethiop.). גּרם (here and at Pro 25:15) is the word interchanging with עצם, Pro 15:30; Pro 16:24.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 14:30; Pro 15:13). The effect of the mind on the body is well known. medicine--or, "body," which better corresponds with "bone." drieth--as if the marrow were exhausted.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A merry heart doth good like a medicine,.... Does the body good, makes it healthful and vigorous. Cheerfulness of spirit has a great influence upon the body, and much contributes to the health and welfare of it; see Ecc 9:7; and especially a heart full of spiritual joy, peace of conscience, flowing from the blood of Christ, joy in the Holy Ghost, a rejoicing in Christ Jesus and his righteousness, and in hope of the glory of God, much affect even the outward man. Or, "a merry heart makes a good medicine" (x); it is a good medicine of itself; raises the spirits, invigorates the body, and fits it for service and business: or, "does a medicine good" (y); makes that operate kindly, and to a good purpose: or, as Jarchi, makes the countenance shine well, makes a serene countenance; which Schultens approves, and, from the use of the word in the Arabic language, confirms; but a broken spirit drieth the bones; a spirit broken with sorrow, whether on spiritual or temporal accounts; as it weakens the nerves, it dries up the marrow in the bones, and emaciates the body, and reduces it to a skeleton: the joy or grief of the mind, those passions of the soul, have a very great influence upon the body, either for its good or hurt. (x) "cor hilare bonam facit sanationem", Michaelis. (y) So R. Joseph Kimchi; "bonificat sive meliorem reddit medicinam", some in Valablus; "bene medicinam facit", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. It is healthful to be cheerful. The Lord is for the body, and has provided for it, not only meat, but medicine, and has here told us that the best medicine is a merry heart, not a heart addicted to vain, carnal, sensual mirth; Solomon himself said of that mirth, It is not medicine, but madness; it is not food, but poison; what doth it? But he means a heart rejoicing in God, and serving him with gladness, and then taking the comfort of outward enjoyments and particularly that of pleasant conversation. It is a great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful and cause to be cheerful, especially if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful. This does good to a medicine (so some read it); it will make physic more efficient. Or it does good as a medicine to the body, making it easy and fit for business. But, if mirth be a medicine (understand it of diversion and recreation), it must be used sparingly, only when there is occasion, not turned into food, and it must be used medicinally, sub regimine - as a prescribed regimen, and by rule. 2. The sorrows of the mind often contribute very much to the sickliness of the body: A broken spirit, sunk by the burden of afflictions, and especially a conscience wounded with the sense of guilt and fear of wrath, dries the bones, wastes the radical moisture, exhausts the very marrow, and makes the body a mere skeleton. We should therefore watch and pray against all melancholy dispositions, for they lead us into trouble as well as into temptation.