Proverbs 15:13
Proverbs 15:13 in Multiple Translations
A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
A glad heart makes a shining face, but by the sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
If you're happy inside, you'll have a cheerful face, but if you're sad, you look crushed.
A ioyfull heart maketh a chearefull countenance: but by the sorow of the heart the minde is heauie.
A joyful heart maketh glad the face, And by grief of heart is the spirit smitten.
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by grief of mind the spirit is cast down.
When people are happy, they have smiles on their faces; but when they are sad, by looking at their faces we can see that they are sad.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 15:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֣ב
שָׂ֭מֵחַ
יֵיטִ֣ב
פָּנִ֑ים
וּ/בְ/עַצְּבַת
לֵ֝ב
ר֣וּחַ
נְכֵאָֽה
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
שָׂ֭מֵחַ
sâmêach
H8056
glad
Adj
יֵיטִ֣ב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
פָּנִ֑ים
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
וּ/בְ/עַצְּבַת
ʻatstsebeth
H6094
injury
Conj | Prep | N-fs
לֵ֝ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
נְכֵאָֽה
nâkêʼ
H5218
stricken
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:13
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
שָׂ֭מֵחַ
sâmêach
H8056
"glad"
Adj
This word describes someone who is joyful or glad, like the Psalmist in Psalm 100:1, who invites all to rejoice and be glad in the Lord.
Definition: 1) joyful, merry, glad 1a) joyful, showing joy 1b) you who rejoice (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be) glad, joyful, (making) merry((-hearted), -ily), rejoice(-ing). See also: Deuteronomy 16:15; Esther 5:14; Psalms 35:26.
יֵיטִ֣ב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
פָּנִ֑ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וּ/בְ/עַצְּבַת
ʻatstsebeth
H6094
"injury"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This word refers to pain, injury, or sorrow, like the wound of a broken heart in Psalm 34:18. It can also mean a physical wound, like the ones suffered by Job in Job 2:7.
Definition: pain, hurt, injury, sorrow, wound
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: sorrow, wound. See also: Job 9:28; Psalms 147:3; Psalms 16:4.
לֵ֝ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
נְכֵאָֽה
nâkêʼ
H5218
"stricken"
Adj
This word describes being stricken or afflicted, often in a figurative sense. It's used to describe emotional or spiritual pain, like being broken or wounded.
Definition: stricken Another spelling of na.khe (נָכֵא "stricken" H5218B)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: broken, stricken, wounded. See also: Proverbs 15:13; Proverbs 18:14; Proverbs 17:22.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:13
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD— how much more the hearts of men!
12A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.
13A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.
14A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 15All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:22 | A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. |
| 2 | John 14:1 | “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:14 | The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:25 | Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:15 | All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 7:10 | Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 2:7 | So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 1:12 | And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 2:2 | so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear |
Proverbs 15:13 Summary
Proverbs 15:13 teaches us that our heart condition can affect our outward appearance and our overall well-being. When we have a joyful heart, it shows on our face and in our attitude, but when we are sorrowful, it can weigh us down and crush our spirit. This verse reminds us that our joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but on our trust in God (Psalm 16:11, Romans 8:28). By trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, we can cultivate a cheerful heart, even in difficult circumstances, and reflect the joy of the Lord to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a joyful heart in Proverbs 15:13?
Having a joyful heart means to have a heart that is filled with happiness and contentment, which can only come from a deep relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 16:11, where it says that in God's presence is fullness of joy.
Can a person's countenance really change based on their heart condition?
Yes, according to Proverbs 15:13, a joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, which means that our outward appearance can reflect our inner heart condition, as also seen in Matthew 6:16, where Jesus teaches that our faces can reflect our spiritual condition.
How can sorrow of the heart crush the spirit?
Sorrow of the heart can crush the spirit when we allow it to consume us and dictate our emotions, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it says that all things work together for good to those who love God.
Is it possible to have a cheerful heart even in difficult circumstances?
Yes, according to Proverbs 15:15, a cheerful heart has a continual feast, even in the midst of oppression, which means that our joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but on our trust in God, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-18, where the prophet rejoices in God despite difficult circumstances.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things that bring joy to my heart, and how can I cultivate those things in my life?
- How does my countenance reflect my heart condition, and what changes can I make to reflect a more joyful heart?
- What are some ways that I allow sorrow to crush my spirit, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness instead?
- What does it mean to have a cheerful heart in the midst of difficult circumstances, and how can I cultivate that kind of joy in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance,.... Or, a "joyful heart" (c); that is joyful in the God of its salvation; that rejoices in Christ Jesus; is filled with joy and peace through believing in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
The spirit; either, 1. His vital spirits. Or rather, 2. His courage and rigour, the decay whereof showeth itself in his countenance, as is implied from the former clause.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.Ver. 13. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance.] It sits smiling in the face, and looks merrily out of the windows of the eyes. This is not till faith have healed the conscience, and till grace have hushed the affections, and composed all within. Saint Stephen looked like an angel when he stood before the council; and the apostles went away rejoicing. There are that rejoice in the face only, and not in the heart; this is but the hypocrisy of mirth, and we may be sure that many a man’ s heart bleeds within him when his face counterfeits a smile. It is for an Abraham only to laugh for joy of the promise, and for a David "to rejoice at the word as one that findeth great spoil," wherein the pleasure is usually as much as the profit. Christ’ s chariot, wherein he carries his people up and down in the world, and brings them at length to himself, is "paved with love"; he brings them also into his wine cellar, where he cheers up their hearts, and clears up their countenances; and this is praemium ante praemium, Heaven aforehand. These are some few clusters of the grapes of the celestial Canaan. But by the sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.] As the looks are marred, so the spirits are dulled and disabled, as a limb out of joint can do nothing without deformity or pain. Dejection takes off the wheels of the soul, hinders comfortable intercourse with God, and that spiritual composedness, that habitual cheerfulness, that sabbath of spirit that every man should strive to enjoy.
Afflictions, saith one, are the wind of the soul, passions the storm. The soul is well carried, when neither so becalmed that it moves not when it should, nor yet tossed with tempests of wrath, grief, fear, care, &c., to move disorderly. Of these we must be careful to crush the very first insurrections; storms rise out of little gusts, but the top of those mountains above the middle region are so quiet that ashes, lightest things, are not moved out of place.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
(13) By sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.—See above on Proverbs 12:25.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
Verse 13. By sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.] Every kind of sorrow worketh death, but that which is the offspring of true repentance. This alone is healthful to the soul. The indulgence of a disposition to sighing tends to destroy life. Every deep sigh throws off a portion of the vital energy.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:13
Some prefer to render the last clause, “In sorrow of heart the breath is oppressed.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:13
13. A merry (or joyful) heart maketh a cheerful countenance — Literally, does good to the face; makes it comely. Spirit is broken — Or, dejected. Grief, also, will show itself in a corresponding expression.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Step 7 on Mourning Which Causes Joy. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the importance of mourning, compunction, and repentance as essential steps in the spiritual journey towards God. He emphasizes the need for genuine |
|
Bigger and Better by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe preaches on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and trusting God to enlarge us during trials. Using Psalm 4, he highlights how David turned to the Lord |
|
|
Step 30 Concerning the Linking Together of the Supreme Trinity Among the Virtues by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus emphasizes the importance of faith, hope, and love as the pillars that bind and secure the union of all virtues, with love being the greatest as God Himself is ca |
|
Taking Cheerful Views by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of adopting a cheerful perspective on life, drawing from Philippians 4:11-13 to illustrate that true contentment can be found in any circumsta |
|
What the Christian Can Loose by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the answer to all of our problems, including pollution, morals, narcotics, and more, is the gospel of Jesus Christ. He calls for a gene |
|
Building a Godly Home (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building strong, godly homes as the foundation for a healthy church. It highlights the need for husbands and wives to have a good relations |
|
Surviving Pitfalls by George Verwer | In this video, the speaker shares about his transformative trip to India, which changed the course of his life and the ministry of OM. He emphasizes the importance of being strong |