Proverbs 17:22

      I have been reading the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month, so since today is October 17,  I read Proverbs 17.  And again today as yesterday, a verse stood out to me--verse 22--which says,
             
                  "A cheerful heart is good medicine, 
                        but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

      This verse seems to be a confirmation and a continuation of the message of verse 24, in the previous chapter (see yesterday's post).  

    It is so much easier to have a cheerful heart when gracious words are spoken to us, but how hurtful to our spirit--and health--when words of criticism and anger are spoken!  They crush our spirit and dry up our bones!

      It seems the Lord is trying to get my attention and has a lesson here He wants me to learn.  Pray that I will be a willing and persistent student, won't you?