New International Version A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. New Living Translation A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. English Standard Version A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Berean Standard Bible A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. Berean Literal Bible A joyful heart makes a face good, and by sorrow of heart a spirit is stricken. King James Bible A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. New King James Version A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. New American Standard Bible A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. NASB 1995 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. NASB 1977 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. Legacy Standard Bible A glad heart makes a face look good, But when the heart is pained, the spirit is broken. Amplified Bible A heart full of joy and goodness makes a cheerful face, But when a heart is full of sadness the spirit is crushed. Berean Annotated Bible A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit {ruach}. Christian Standard Bible A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit. Holman Christian Standard Bible A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit. American Standard Version A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. Contemporary English Version Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you. English Revised Version A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. GOD'S WORD® Translation A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but with a heartache comes depression. Good News Translation When people are happy, they smile, but when they are sad, they look depressed. International Standard Version A happy heart enlightens the face, but a sad heart reflects a broken spirit. NET Bible A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but by a painful heart the spirit is broken. New Heart English Bible A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit. Webster's Bible Translation A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. World English Bible A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA joyful heart makes the face glad, "" And the spirit is struck by grief of heart. Berean Literal Bible A joyful heart makes a face good, and by sorrow of heart a spirit is stricken. Young's Literal Translation A joyful heart maketh glad the face, And by grief of heart is the spirit smitten. Smith's Literal Translation A heart of joy will do the face good: and by pains of heart the spirit was dejected. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by grief of mind the spirit is cast down. Catholic Public Domain Version A rejoicing heart gladdens the face. But by the grief of the soul, the spirit is cast down. New American Bible A glad heart lights up the face, but an anguished heart breaks the spirit. New Revised Standard Version A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA merry heart makes a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A glad heart improves the body and the depressed heart saddens the spirit. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. Brenton Septuagint Translation When the heart rejoices the countenance is cheerful; but when it is in sorrow, the countenance is sad. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath…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.… Cross References A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Psalm 34:5 Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed. Ecclesiastes 8:1 Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Isaiah 61:3 to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up. Ecclesiastes 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, / to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. James 5:13 Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. Treasury of Scripture A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. merry Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. by Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? Nehemiah 2:2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, Jump to Previous Breaks Broken Cheerful Countenance Crushes Face Glad Grief Happy Heart Joyful Makes Maketh Merry Sad Shining Smitten Sorrow SpiritJump to Next Breaks Broken Cheerful Countenance Crushes Face Glad Grief Happy Heart Joyful Makes Maketh Merry Sad Shining Smitten Sorrow SpiritProverbs 15 1. A gentle answer turns away wrathA joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, Joy rooted in trust in God affects the whole person and becomes visible in one’s demeanor. Even amid hardship, those who know God’s faithfulness can show a settled confidence and gratitude that strengthens others. Pro 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit… but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. Deep grief can weigh heavily on the inner person, draining courage and hope. Scripture recognizes the reality of such suffering while directing the afflicted to the God who sees, comforts, and sustains the brokenhearted. Pro 18:14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and relationships are reflected in this verse. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of spiritual and moral instruction. 3. The Heart In Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of one's inner life, encompassing emotions, thoughts, and will. 4. The Spirit The spirit ("ruach") in Hebrew can refer to one's inner being or emotional state, often linked to vitality and strength. 5. The Countenance The countenance refers to one's facial expression, which in biblical terms often reflects the state of the heart. Teaching Points The Power of Inner JoyA joyful heart is transformative, affecting not only our own well-being but also how we are perceived by others. Cultivating joy through gratitude and faith can lead to a more positive outlook on life. The Impact of Sorrow Sorrow can be overwhelming and debilitating, crushing the spirit. It is important to seek support and comfort in God and community during times of distress. Reflecting Inner States Our facial expressions often mirror our inner emotional states. Being mindful of our heart's condition can help us address underlying issues and promote a healthier, more joyful demeanor. Guarding the Heart Proverbs emphasizes the importance of guarding the heart, as it is the wellspring of life. Regularly examining and nurturing our heart's condition is crucial for spiritual and emotional health. Community and Encouragement Engaging with a supportive community can help uplift our spirits and provide encouragement, reminding us of the joy found in fellowship and shared faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 15:13?2. How does a "cheerful heart" influence our daily interactions with others? 3. What steps can we take to cultivate a "cheerful heart"? 4. How does Proverbs 15:13 connect with Philippians 4:4 about rejoicing? 5. What are the consequences of a "broken spirit" on our spiritual life? 6. How can prayer help transform a "broken spirit" into a "cheerful heart"? 7. How does Proverbs 15:13 relate to the concept of inner joy versus outward appearances? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 15:13? 9. How does Proverbs 15:13 align with archaeological findings from the biblical era? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15? (13) By sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.--See above on Proverbs 12:25.Verse 13. - A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. The face is the index of the condition of the mind. "In the forehead and the eye "Laetitia quidnam? Mentis est diffusio. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew A joyfulשָׂ֭מֵחַ (mê·aḥ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 8056: Glad, joyful, merry heart לֵ֣ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre makes a cheerful יֵיטִ֣ב (yê·ṭiḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing countenance, פָּנִ֑ים (pā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face but sorrow וּבְעַצְּבַת־ (ū·ḇə·‘aṣ·ṣə·ḇaṯ-) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6094: A idol, a pain, wound of the heart לֵ֝ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre crushes נְכֵאָֽה׃ (nə·ḵê·’āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 5218: Smitten, afflicted the spirit. ר֣וּחַ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit Additonal Resources Proverbs 15:13 Blue Letter BibleProverbs 15:13 Bible Gateway Proverbs 15:13 Bible.com Proverbs 15:13 NIV |
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