KJV ORIGINAL
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is saying that joy and happiness have healing power for our bodies, while deep sadness and despair can make us physically weak and sick.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from the collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to King Solomon, written around 950-700 BC. In ancient times, people understood the connection between emotional and physical health, even without modern medical knowledge. The Israelites recognized that a person's inner state directly affected their physical well-being.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save