¶ Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness.
Even in laughter {H7814} the heart {H3820} is sorrowful {H3510}; and the end {H319} of that mirth {H8057} is heaviness {H8424}.
Even in laughter the heart can be sad, and joy may end in sorrow.
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; And the end of mirth is heaviness.
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Ecclesiastes 2:2
I said of laughter, [It is] mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? -
James 4:9
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and [your] joy to heaviness. -
Ecclesiastes 2:10
And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. -
Ecclesiastes 2:11
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun. -
Proverbs 5:4
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. -
Ecclesiastes 11:9
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment. -
Luke 16:25
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Proverbs 14:13 offers a profound observation on the nature of human emotion and the limitations of outward appearances. This verse from the book of Proverbs, part of the Bible's wisdom literature, highlights a universal truth about the heart's capacity for hidden sorrow, even amidst expressions of joy.
Context
The book of Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom, often presenting antithetical parallels to contrast the way of the wise with the way of the foolish. This specific verse fits within a larger section that distinguishes between genuine well-being and superficial success, warning against deceptive appearances and the ultimate consequences of choices. It emphasizes that true contentment is often an internal state, not merely an external display. The wisdom found here serves as a guide for navigating life's complexities and understanding human nature, aligning with themes found throughout Ecclesiastes regarding the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the search for meaning.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew words used in this verse add layers of meaning:
Practical Application
Proverbs 14:13 encourages us to look beyond superficial appearances, both in ourselves and in others. For personal reflection, it prompts us to examine the source of our own joy. Is it genuine, rooted in lasting truths, or is it a temporary escape that will ultimately lead to emptiness? This verse reminds us that true happiness is not merely an absence of sorrow, but a deeper spiritual contentment that can endure through life's challenges. It also calls for empathy, recognizing that someone who appears happy might be carrying a hidden burden, reinforcing the importance of bearing one another's burdens and seeking authentic relationships. As Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life," highlighting the critical importance of our inner spiritual state for overall well-being.