Bodily Health Depending on Mental Moods
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.


So closely connected is the soul with the body, that physical health is ever, to a great extent, dependent on mental states. A dark thought has power to work disease and death into the corporeal frame. This is a fact —

1. Recognised by medical science. A wise physician avails himself of this fact, and is ever anxious not only to dispel all sad thought from the mind of the patient, but to awaken the most pleasurable thoughts and emotions. It is a fact —

2. Attested by general experience.

I. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAN FOR HIS PHYSICAL HEALTH. Man is responsible for his mental disposition, whether cheerful or gloomy, and his disposition greatly determines his health.

II. THE DUTY OF THE GUARDIANS OF CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.

III. THE SANITARY INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY. The design of Christianity is to fill the human heart with joy. "These things have I spoken unto you that your joy may be full." Christianity is the best physician to the body. He who promotes Christinity is the wise philanthropist. Some people are always trying to keep the body well, and neglect entirely the condition of the soul.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

WEB: A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.




A Cheerful Spirit
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