Good for the Bones

“A merry heart does good, like medicine,

But a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV)

Both scripture and medical science make it clear that the state of mind a person has can contribute to either good or poor health. An all-over body-ache being typically symptomatic of a fever, the Old Testament writers described this feeling as being felt in the bones.

The Wisdom Books (Psalms, Proverbs, etc.) are specifically descriptive of this. For instance, the poison that worry can be to one’s inner man is shown in this verse.

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,

But a good word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25 NKJV).

Another thing that can poison the well of our heart is sin unconfessed and unforgiven. David noted the effect this has on one’s feeling of well-being in this manner:

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,

Whose sin is covered.

Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,

And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

When I kept silent, my bones grew old

Through my groaning all the day long.

For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;

My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.

“Selah” (Psalms 32:1-4 NKJV)

Our own spiritual well-being is hindered by covering our sin, hence the need for confession and accountability. Forgiven sin and transparency are life-changing conditions. In the same manner, we can improve the disposition of those around us and contribute to a positive atmosphere at home, church, work or play by our own words, according to Proverbs.

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,

Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24 NKJV)

As Mom used to say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

In most of these verses you’ll notice that negative emotions are said to affect the bones (“dries the bones,” “bones grew old,” etc.). Physical maladies are often attributable to negative attitudes. Without modern diagnoses, the description of an all-over bad feeling was often said to be affecting the bones of the victim. For instance, take note of how envy influences a man in this verse.

“A sound heart is life to the body,

But envy is rottenness to the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30 NKJV)

Having recently had both knees and one shoulder replaced due to arthritis, this author know the feeling of, “rotten bones.” Without cartilage to smooth the movement, joints will constantly ache. “Sound medicine,” is a merry heart, akin to a sound meniscus in the knee; it cushions the blows and allows for continued, pain-free function.

Our circumstances are whatever they are. We often cannot change that. But in the midst of it all, may the sweetness we show others act as good medicine, lest we become one who dries up the bones of others. Seemingly impossible on our own, that’s why we were given the Holy Spirit on whom to rely.

Do a spiritual bone-density check. Make sure your influence makes the load lighter for your fellow man. You and they will both be better for it.

Related Scriptures

“It will be health to your flesh,

And strength to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:8 NKJV)

“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,

And a good report makes the bones healthy.” (Proverbs 15:30 NKJV)

“The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’

“So I answered, ‘O Lord GOD, You know.’

“Again He said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, “O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: ‘Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.’“‘

“So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.

“Also He said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’”’ So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

“Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, “Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!” Therefore prophesy and say to them, “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,’ says the LORD.”’” (Ezekiel 37:1-14 NKJV)

“My strength is dried up like a potsherd,

And My tongue clings to My jaws;

You have brought Me to the dust of death.” (Psalms 22:15 NKJV)

“The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,

But who can bear a broken spirit?” (Proverbs 18:14 NKJV)