Proverbs 15:13
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights a deep connection, not just between feelings and looks, but between our inner state and our very strength. While a joyful heart visibly lifts our face, sorrow doesn't just make us sad; it can literally "crush the spirit," weighing down our inner courage and vitality.
This verse is part of a larger section in Proverbs contrasting the wise and foolish, often presented as parallel sayings or observations about life. It follows verses discussing the value of instruction and the consequences of ignoring it, setting up the idea that one's inner state profoundly impacts their outward appearance and overall well-being. The following verses will continue to explore the impact of words and attitudes on life's journey.
Ever notice how your mood can literally change your whole look? The Bible says there's a deep connection between what's inside and what shows on the outside.
Proverbs highlights a direct link between our internal state and our external appearance. A 'glad heart' isn't just a feeling; it spills over, making the 'countenance cheerful.' Think of it like a light turning on inside you – it’s bound to show through! This isn't just about faking it; it's about how genuine joy naturally radiates.
Conversely, the verse warns that 'sorrow of heart' doesn't just make us frown. It can 'crush the spirit,' meaning it drains our vitality, our courage, and our inner strength. This internal weight inevitably affects how we present ourselves to the world.
What's the real difference between a happy heart and a heavy one? It's more than just a good mood; it's about the very core of your being.
This verse draws a powerful contrast. On one side, we have a heart that's 'glad' – full of inner satisfaction, perhaps from knowing God, living righteously, or experiencing His goodness. This internal joy acts like a wellspring, giving energy and a positive outlook that's visible. It can even act as a kind of internal 'feast' or sustained delight, as some ancient interpreters noted.
On the other side, 'sorrow of heart' isn't just fleeting sadness. The 'spirit is crushed' implies a deep, soul-level impact. It can weaken our resolve, diminish our energy, and lead to a state of despondency. This isn't a minor setback; it's a profound internal breakage that can affect our overall well-being and ability to function.
Understand the original words
leb · Hebrew Noun
The essential nature of a person, often contrasted with physical appearance; here, a source of emotional and spiritual vitality.
etsev · Hebrew Noun
A condition of deep sadness, grief, or distress, which affects the physical body and the inner spiritual state.
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The inner life, breath, or vitalizing principle of a human; it reflects one's temperament, attitude, and spiritual resilience.
This psalm speaks to the deep connection between internal joy and the spirit. David prays for God to restore the joy of salvation, showing how sorrow can crush the spirit, while God's restoration brings a willing spirit.
Proverbs 17:22This verse directly echoes Proverbs 15:13, stating 'A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit withers the bones.' It reinforces the profound physical and emotional impact of our internal state.
Galatians 5:22-23This passage describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes joy and peace – the very emotions that lead to a glad heart and cheerful countenance. It contrasts this with the works of the flesh, which can lead to inner turmoil.
2 Corinthians 7:10Paul distinguishes between the sorrow of the world, which leads to spiritual death and a crushed spirit, and godly sorrow, which leads to repentance and salvation. This highlights how the *source* of sorrow profoundly affects its outcome.
pooleProverbs 15:13: "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."
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.
bensonProverbs 15:13: "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."
Proverbs 15:13-15 . A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; &c. — “When the mind of a man is inwardly satisfied, and full of joy, it does good to his body too, as appears in his cheerful countenance: but when grief seizes on the heart, it detects, enfeebles, and breaks the most courageous spirit.” All the days of the afflicted — Of those troubled in mind, as the meaning of this g…
The verse highlights a deep connection, not just between feelings and looks, but between our inner state and our very strength. While a joyful heart visibly lifts our face, sorrow doesn't just make us sad; it can literally "crush the spirit," weighing down our inner courage and vitality.
This verse is part of a larger section in Proverbs contrasting the wise and foolish, often presented as parallel sayings or observations about life. It follows verses discussing the value of instruction and the consequences of ignoring it, setting up the idea that one's inner state profoundly impacts their outward appearance and overall well-being. The following verses will continue to explore the impact of words and attitudes on life's journey.
This verse is part of a larger section in Proverbs contrasting the wise and foolish, often presented as parallel sayings or observations about life. It follows verses discussing the value of instruction and the consequences of ignoring it, setting up the idea that one's inner state profoundly impacts their outward appearance and overall well-being. The following verses will continue to explore the impact of words and attitudes on life's journey.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Proverbs 15:13 is available in the Sola app.
"A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed." — The verse highlights a deep connection, not just between feelings and looks, but between our inner state and our very strength. While a joyful heart visibly lifts our face, sorrow doesn't just make u…
