Proverbs 14:13
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
יִכְאַב
is sorrowful
H3510
יִכְאַב
is sorrowful
Strong's:
H3510
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to feel pain; by implication, to grieve; figuratively, to spoil
לֵ֑ב
the heart
H3820
לֵ֑ב
the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְאַחֲרִיתָ֖הּ
and the end
H319
וְאַחֲרִיתָ֖הּ
and the end
Strong's:
H319
Word #:
5 of 7
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
Historical Context
Ancient feasts and celebrations provided temporary escape from life's hardships. Yet underneath revelry often lay unresolved pain. Ecclesiastes explores this theme—Solomon's pursuit of pleasure ultimately proved empty (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). Hedonistic cultures like Rome offered bread and circuses, distracting from spiritual poverty. This proverb cuts through shallow optimism, exposing the heart's deep need for genuine joy found only in God.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways might you be using entertainment, humor, or activities to mask underlying sorrow rather than addressing it?
- How does superficial happiness differ from the deep joy that comes from relationship with God through Christ?
- What would it look like to pursue genuine joy in the Lord rather than fleeting mirth that ends in heaviness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb addresses the paradox of temporary pleasure and lasting sorrow. "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful" reveals hidden pain. Gam-bishoq yikh'av-lev (גַּם־בִּשְׂחוֹק יִכְאַב־לֵב, even in laughter the heart is pained). Sechoq (שְׂחוֹק, laughter) masks ka'av (כָּאַב, pain, grief) in lev (לֵב, heart). Outward mirth doesn't guarantee inner joy.
"And the end of that mirth is heaviness" exposes superficiality's outcome. Ve'acharitah simchah tugah (וְאַחֲרִיתָהּ שִׂמְחָה תוּגָה, and its end—mirth—sorrow). Acharit (אַחֲרִית, end, outcome, afterward) of simchah (שִׂמְחָה, joy, gladness) is tugah (תּוּגָה, grief, sorrow). Apparent happiness concludes in sadness.
The proverb warns against superficial pleasure divorced from genuine joy. Ecclesiastes 2:2 says of laughter: "It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?" Worldly pleasures provide temporary relief but don't address deep heart needs. Genuine joy comes from knowing God. Psalm 16:11 promises fullness of joy in God's presence. Jesus offered living water that satisfies eternally (John 4:13-14). Philippians 4:4 commands rejoicing in the Lord always—a joy rooted in relationship with Christ that transcends circumstances. Worldly mirth ends in heaviness; godly joy endures even through suffering (Habakkuk 3:17-18).