A Merry Heart Does Us Good

-July 20, 2022-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.”

(Proverbs 17:22).

The Book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon, is a collection of wise sayings to live by. Wisdom is putting knowledge and understanding into action. Today’s text is the secret to a happy and healthy life. Normally when we think of medicine, we think of pills or ointments taken either internally or externally to make one feel better. For example, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for ten days. But here Solomon says, “A merry heart does good, like medicine.”

Doctors have in recent years seen the benefit of a good and positive attitude, being optimistic, and praying. These are like medicine that heal the soul as well as the body. Laughter also is viewed as highly beneficial to spirit, soul, and body. For us as believers knowing and walking with God helps us face whatever comes our way.

The word merry is not used very often today, except at Christmas time when we express our good wishes to others. In fact, even then, most people just say, “Happy Holidays.” Merry is an old word but blessed word, meaning, “Cheerful and lively; full of gaiety; joyous in disposition or spirit.” The word merry is found 22 times in the NKJV version. A merry heart is a happy, joyful heart.

Proverbs 15:13 says, “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” When we are happy, joyful, and optimistic life is just better, richer, and fuller. It is really better medicine than all the others combined. I am in favor of taking medicine when it is needed and seeing the doctor, but I also believe faith, hope, and joy are among the best preventive medications.

The opposite is also true: “A broken spirit dries up the bones.” Negative, sad or discouraging feelings work against us and make us feel worse. Someone said, “Pain is inevitable, misery is optional. As believers we must choose to rejoice in the Lord, and trust Him daily. Are you experiencing some suffering or pain today? Let us thank God for what He has done for us and given to us. When we starting counting our blessings, we find it turns our whole day around. Medicines can cost a lot of money, but a merry heart is absolutely free.

Have a blessed day rejoicing and giving thanks to the Lord. Try a merry heart, a little laughter—it is good medicine. Stay safe and healthy.

In a happy outlook and up look,

Dean