Tag Archives: bible

Laughter is good medicine.

Nationality: American
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Performance Date: April 2007
Primary Language: English

This is a phrase my mom first told me when I was a young child. She used it when she would do or say something to cheer me up when I was feeling down, after which she would say, “Cheer up, laughter is good medicine.” From then on she always reminded me to have something in my day that would make me laugh, for she said it would actually make me feel physically better. Every once in a while when I was little, and I wanted to watch cartoons and my mom didn’t really want me to I would try to persuade her by saying, “But mom, laughter is good medicine.” That always made her chuckle a bit. The phrase actually came from the Bible, out of Proverbs 17:22. It says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” My mom also told me that she read in a medical journal that doctors will actually have patients watch or read funny material, and some how it actually makes them feel better.

Proverb

Age: 53
Occupation: Housewife
Residence: Laguna Hills, CA
Performance Date: February 2007
Primary Language: English

“Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath”

Sherri informed me that she learned this proverb that was based on a verse from the Bible as a child between the ages of 8 and 10.  Her father, Jack, taught it to her and one of her sisters while they were in a dispute one night.  At first, Sherri and her sister did not know what this meant until Jack taught them that it meant to “not go to sleep while you are angry at someone.” Sherri elaborated by stating that not only will you be able to sleep better when you are not in a fight with anybody, but it will also give you a peace of mind when you start your next day.  She said it was very important to start each day with a fresh start, and this is just one of the many ways you can accomplish this.  Sherri told me that this proverb was just one of many sayings that were taught to her by her parents.  She says her parents’ use of proverbs helped her learn many invaluable life lessons, including “don’t let the sun go down on your wrath.”

I believe the interpretation of this proverb given by Sherri to be spot on.  I do not know of any other way this can be interpreted.  I agree with Sherri that this lesson is very important.  I think it is very childish, for one, and it will also prevent you from getting a good night’s rest.