Proverbs 14:13

¶ 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.

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

  • The Deceptive Nature of Outward Appearance: The verse directly challenges the idea that outward expressions of happiness always reflect an inner state of peace or contentment. A person can project joy while deeply suffering inside, illustrating the common human experience of masking pain.
  • The Superficiality of Worldly Joy: The "laughter" and "mirth" described here are those that lack depth, perhaps rooted in temporary circumstances, material gain, or escapism. Such joy is unsustainable and ultimately leads to disappointment. This contrasts sharply with the lasting joy promised by spiritual truth and a relationship with God.
  • The Inevitability of Heaviness: The phrase "the end of that mirth is heaviness" serves as a stark warning. Pleasure pursued for its own sake, without a foundation of truth or purpose, eventually collapses into sorrow or despair. It speaks to the emptiness that can follow fleeting worldly pursuits, emphasizing that true happiness comes from deeper sources.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse add layers of meaning:

  • The word for "laughter" (s'choq - שְׂחוֹק) often refers to outward merriment or amusement, which can be genuine but can also be superficial or even mocking.
  • "Sorrowful" (k'ev - כְּאֵב) signifies deep pain or grief, emphasizing the profound internal suffering that can exist alongside outward cheer.
  • "Mirth" (simchah - שִׂמְחָה) denotes joy or gladness, often associated with celebrations. However, in this context, it refers to a joy that is not rooted in a lasting source.
  • "Heaviness" (tugah - תּוּגָה) refers to grief, sorrow, or sadness. The strong contrast between simchah and tugah at the end of the verse powerfully conveys the cyclical nature of superficial joy leading to despair.

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.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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