Proverbs 15:13
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.

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.

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.

Majority Standard Bible
A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the 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.

World English Bible
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A joyful heart makes the face glad, "" And the spirit is struck by grief of heart.

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 Bible
A 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 Bible
A 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 1917
A 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



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
Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

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 34:18
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.

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.

1 Peter 1:8
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Nehemiah 8:10
Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.


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,

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Proverbs 15
1. A gentle answer turns away wrath














A joyful heart
The phrase "a joyful heart" in Proverbs 15:13 speaks to the inner condition of a person that is filled with joy and contentment. The Hebrew word for "heart" is "leb," which often refers to the inner man, mind, or will. In biblical times, the heart was considered the center of emotions and intellect. A joyful heart is one that is aligned with God's will, finding delight in His presence and His creation. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep-seated gladness that comes from a relationship with God. Historically, joy was seen as a sign of God's favor and blessing, and it was often associated with worship and thanksgiving.

makes a cheerful countenance
The phrase "makes a cheerful countenance" indicates that the joy within a person is reflected outwardly. The Hebrew word for "countenance" is "panim," which means face or presence. A cheerful countenance is a visible expression of the joy that resides in the heart. In ancient cultures, the face was a reflection of one's inner state, and a cheerful face was seen as a sign of a healthy and prosperous life. This outward expression of joy can be a powerful testimony to others, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love and grace in a believer's life.

but sorrow of the heart
The contrast begins with "but sorrow of the heart," highlighting the impact of inner grief or sadness. The Hebrew word for "sorrow" is "ka'at," which conveys a sense of brokenness or distress. Sorrow of the heart can result from sin, loss, or separation from God. In the biblical context, sorrow is often associated with repentance and a longing for restoration. It serves as a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the need for God's redemption. The heart, being the seat of emotions, can be weighed down by sorrow, affecting one's overall well-being.

crushes the spirit
The phrase "crushes the spirit" describes the debilitating effect of prolonged sorrow. The Hebrew word for "crushes" is "shabar," meaning to break or shatter. The "spirit," or "ruach" in Hebrew, refers to the breath of life, the inner vitality of a person. When the spirit is crushed, it signifies a loss of hope and vitality. In biblical times, a crushed spirit was often seen as a result of divine judgment or personal failure. However, Scripture also offers hope, as God is described as being close to the brokenhearted and saving those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a joyful heart through faith and trust in God, as it impacts both our inner and outer lives.

(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
The lecture of the mind doth lie."
And, again, "A blithe heart makes a blooming visage" (comp. Ecelus. 13:25, etc.). Septuagint, "When the heart is glad, the face bloometh (θάλλει)." But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken (Proverbs 12:25). Happiness is shown in the outward look, but sorrow has a deeper and more abiding influence; it touches the inner life, destroys the natural elasticity, creates despondency and despair (comp. Proverbs 16:24; Proverbs 17:22). Corn. a Lapide quotes St. Gregory Nazianzen's definition -

"Laetitia quidnam? Mentis est diffusio.
Tristitia? Cordis morsus et turbatio."
Hitzig and others translate the second clause, "But in sorrow of heart is the breath oppressed." It is doubtful if the words can be so rendered, and certainly the parallelism is not improved thereby.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A joyful
שָׂ֭מֵחַ (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


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 15:12
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