The Best Medicine

A cheerful heart is more than a good mood—it’s God’s prescription for hope and healing. Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that joy can strengthen our spirit, while negativity can crush us from within. This devotional explores the power of perspective, gratitude, and God’s wisdom to transform how we walk through trials.

Highlights

• Discover why Proverbs calls joy “good medicine” for the soul

• How your outlook impacts mental, spiritual, and physical health

• The danger of letting negativity spiral into despair

• Practical ways to cultivate gratitude and a cheerful heart in hard times

• Encouragement that God can shift your heart from hopeless to hopeful

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Full Transcript Below:

The Best Medicine

By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Prov. 17:22 (NIV)

Proverbs is one of the most interesting books in the Bible. Often referenced for “one-off” quotes like this, but, in some cases, ignored as a work of wisdom in its entirety. It seems as if most of us aren’t really sure what to do with the Book of Proverbs, so we simply skim over the content or only digest it in small doses of daily scripture reading. 

I have had the true privilege of editing and consulting for a beautiful Christian author who is incredibly passionate about the works of Solomon, specifically Ecclesiastes and his contributions to the Book of Proverbs. Her work and message have transformed my entire perspective on the value of this ancient wisdom, especially in light of the eternal nuggets of truth that it offers us. Today’s scripture is one of these prized nuggets. 

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Prov. 17:22 (NIV)

The first part of this quotable quip could be a cute bookmark or slogan on a coffee cup. Perhaps you have run across one at a bookstore or boutique. However, the latter part of the passage hits hard. The contrast of these two paradigms is so stark that it is actually startling. They are extremes at opposite ends, but I sense that is exactly what the author was aiming for.  Why? Because that is how strongly the position of our hearts can influence our overall mental, spiritual, and even physical states. 

When you face challenges, disappointments, or hardships of any kind, it is very easy to become overwhelmed by negativity. Especially if the struggles you are facing are serious or life-altering. There is a strong pull beckoning you to crawl back under the covers and hide away from it all. Anxious and depressing thoughts start to convince you that all is lost, things will never change, or the pain will never go away. If you are not careful, you can be drawn into a dark, downward spiral that will begin, a little at a time, to fully crush your spirit and dry up your bones.

How do I know this? Because I have lived it. Not once or twice, but repeatedly throughout my own twenty-year journey through trials. It has taken me years, literally years, to learn the power of a cheerful disposition in the midst of heartache. On this side of my shift in perspective, I can assure you the truth of this proverb is valid.  

Does this mean I am suggesting we placate and pretend that all is well when it is not? No, not at all. I am a firm believer in recognizing and validating t