Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֝ב
heart
H3820
לֵ֝ב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
1 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
יֵיטִ֣ב
maketh a cheerful
H3190
יֵיטִ֣ב
maketh a cheerful
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
3 of 8
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
פָּנִ֑ים
countenance
H6440
פָּנִ֑ים
countenance
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לֵ֝ב
heart
H3820
לֵ֝ב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
6 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Proverbs 17:22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.Proverbs 18:14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?Proverbs 12:25Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.John 14:1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.Proverbs 15:15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.2 Corinthians 7:10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.Nehemiah 2:2Wherefore 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,2 Corinthians 1:12For 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.2 Corinthians 2:7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Historical Context
External appearance revealed internal state in cultures valuing honor and shame. A downcast face signaled social disgrace or personal disaster, while gladness demonstrated divine favor.
Questions for Reflection
- What does your countenance typically reveal about your heart's condition?
- How can you cultivate gospel joy even amid difficult circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
Merry heart produces cheerful countenance, while heartache crushes the spirit. Inner spiritual/emotional state manifests outwardly. Joy is fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), reflecting gospel transformation. Sorrow by worldly concerns versus godly sorrow producing repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10) shows different kinds of heartache.