Proverbs 17

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones" (v22). Body and spirit are deeply connected. The proverbs confirm that our experience of life is influenced by our attitude. A healthy body and plenty of money don't necessarily bring joy, if we are distressed, depressed, torn with guilt or anger. "Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it than a house full of feasting with strife" (v1). We can't choose what happens to us, but we can "give thanks in all things" (I Thes 12:18).

Joy and peace are available to us, without cost.