Proverbs 15:13

KJV

¶ A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

KJV (with Strong's)

A merry {H8056} heart {H3820} maketh a cheerful {H3190} countenance {H6440}: but by sorrow {H6094} of the heart {H3820} the spirit {H7307} is broken {H5218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A glad heart makes a face happy, but heartache breaks the spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.

American Standard Version

A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:13 succinctly articulates a profound and undeniable connection between one's internal emotional state and its outward manifestation. It reveals that a heart filled with joy naturally radiates a pleasant and cheerful demeanor, while conversely, deep inner sorrow leads to a crushed and dispirited inner being. This proverb underscores a foundational truth about human well-being: the condition of the heart profoundly shapes one's entire existence, impacting both visible appearance and spiritual vitality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:13 is situated within the broader collection of wisdom sayings in the Book of Proverbs, specifically within a section (chapters 10-29) primarily composed of two-line proverbs, many of which employ **antithetical parallelism**. This literary structure presents contrasting ideas to highlight moral and spiritual truths, making the wisdom more impactful and memorable. Chapter 15 itself focuses on the power of words, the nature of wisdom versus folly, and the importance of righteousness, often contrasting the outcomes of different choices and attitudes. This verse, with its clear "A... but B" structure, perfectly exemplifies this literary style, emphasizing the stark difference between the effects of joy and sorrow on the human person. It serves as a concise summary of the holistic impact of one's inner disposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite thought, the "heart" (Hebrew: _lêb_ or _lêbāb_) was not merely a physical organ but was understood as the very core of a person's being—the seat of intellect, emotions, will, and moral character. It was considered the source from which all life's issues flowed. There was a strong cultural understanding that one's inner state would inevitably manifest externally, affecting one's countenance, health, and interactions with others. This holistic view of the human person, where inner and outer realms are inextricably linked, is prevalent throughout the Old Testament wisdom literature. The concept of a "broken spirit" also resonates with the experiences of affliction and suffering common in the ancient world, where physical and emotional distress were often seen as deeply intertwined, affecting one's ability to function and thrive within the community.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the Book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights **the immense power of the heart** as the wellspring of life, echoing sentiments found in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **interconnectedness of inner and outer reality**, demonstrating how internal states of joy or grief visibly manifest, influencing one's disposition and interactions. This theme is further explored in [Proverbs 17:22](/proverbs/17-22 "Proverbs 17:22 - A Merry Heart is Good Medicine"), which directly links a merry heart to physical well-being. Thirdly, it underscores the **consequences of one's emotional and spiritual disposition**, serving as both an encouragement to cultivate inner joy and a warning about the destructive impact of prolonged sorrow. These themes collectively point to a holistic understanding of human flourishing, where spiritual and emotional health are paramount for a life lived well before God and humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb_):** In biblical thought, the heart is far more than a physical organ; it is the comprehensive center of a person's being—the seat of intellect, emotions, will, and moral character. It represents the inner self from which all actions and expressions flow, encompassing one's deepest thoughts, intentions, and affections.
* **Merry (Hebrew, _sâmêach_):** This term describes a state of inner gladness, blitheness, or joy. It signifies a deep-seated contentment and positive disposition that is not merely superficial happiness but a genuine, internal cheerfulness that can arise from a right relationship with God and a hopeful outlook.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _nâkêʼ_):** Derived from a root meaning "smitten," this word describes a state of being afflicted, crushed, or wounded. When applied to the "spirit" (_rûwach_), it denotes a profound loss of vitality, hope, and inner strength, leading to a dispirited, despondent, or utterly dejected condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance":** This initial clause presents a direct cause-and-effect relationship. A "merry heart" (_lêb sâmêach_), signifying an inner state of joy, gladness, or contentment, naturally produces a "cheerful countenance" (_pânîym_). The countenance, or face, is the primary outward expression of one's inner state. Thus, inner joy radiates outwardly, making the face pleasant, bright, and welcoming, reflecting the positive disposition within. This suggests that genuine inner well-being cannot be entirely hidden but will inevitably find expression.
* **"but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken":** This contrasting clause introduces the antithetical truth. "Sorrow of the heart" (`atstsebeth lêb`), referring to deep grief, anguish, or distress originating from within, has a devastating impact. It leads to the "spirit" (_rûwach_) being "broken" (_nâkêʼ_). Here, "spirit" refers to one's inner vitality, life force, courage, or disposition. A broken spirit signifies a crushed, wounded, or dispirited state where one's inner strength, hope, and resilience are severely diminished, leading to profound despair and a loss of inner vigor, often manifested in listlessness or despair.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 15:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, where two contrasting lines express opposing ideas to emphasize a moral or theological point. Here, the positive outcome of a "merry heart" is set in stark contrast to the negative consequence of "sorrow of the heart," highlighting the dual possibilities of the human emotional landscape. **Metonymy** is also evident, where "heart," "countenance," and "spirit" serve as representative parts for the whole person's inner emotional state, outer expression, and inner vitality, respectively, allowing the proverb to speak concisely about complex human experiences. The proverb also functions as a clear statement of **Cause and Effect**, explicitly linking an internal emotional cause (merry heart/sorrow of heart) to an observable external or internal effect (cheerful countenance/broken spirit), thereby articulating a universal principle of human psychology and spiritual well-being that transcends time and culture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with biblical theology regarding the centrality of the heart and the holistic nature of human existence. It teaches that true well-being is not merely external prosperity but an internal disposition rooted in the condition of one's heart. God, as the Creator, designed humans with an intricate connection between their inner and outer worlds, meaning that genuine joy or profound sorrow inevitably manifests. The proverb implicitly calls for a cultivation of a heart that is receptive to joy and resilient in the face of sorrow, recognizing that our emotional landscape has spiritual implications. It underscores that God cares not only about our actions but also about the state of our hearts, from which all actions flow, emphasizing that spiritual health is foundational to all other aspects of life.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart for Everything Flows From It")
* [Proverbs 17:22](/proverbs/17-22 "Proverbs 17:22 - A Merry Heart as Medicine")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - God is Near to the Brokenhearted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:13 offers timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of human emotion and well-being. It compels us to recognize the profound impact our inner emotional state has on our entire being and our interactions with the world. This isn't merely about putting on a happy face, but about cultivating a deep-seated joy that can withstand life's inevitable challenges. It encourages us to actively guard our hearts, discerning what we allow to dwell within, as these inner conditions will invariably manifest outwardly. While sorrow is a natural and often necessary part of the human experience, the proverb warns against allowing it to consume us to the point of a "broken spirit," which saps vitality and hope. Therefore, the application calls for intentional practices that foster inner peace, gratitude, and joy, whether through spiritual disciplines, healthy relationships, or seeking support when overwhelmed by grief, understanding that a vibrant inner life is foundational to a flourishing existence that honors God and blesses others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What emotions or thoughts have you allowed to take root in your heart recently, and how have they manifested in your countenance or spirit?**
* **In what practical ways can you "guard your heart" ([Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")) to cultivate a "merry heart" even amidst challenging circumstances?**
* **How might acknowledging the connection between inner sorrow and a "broken spirit" encourage you to seek help or spiritual comfort when experiencing deep grief?**

### FAQ
**Does "merry heart" imply superficial happiness or a deeper joy?**

Answer: The "merry heart" (Hebrew: _lêb sâmêach_) described in Proverbs 15:13 refers to a deeper, more profound state of inner gladness and contentment, rather than mere superficial happiness. This joy is not necessarily dependent on external circumstances but can be a disposition cultivated through wisdom, faith, and a right relationship with God. It signifies an internal well-being that radiates outwardly, reflecting a hopeful and positive inner disposition. This is consistent with other wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 17:22](/proverbs/17-22 "Proverbs 17:22 - A Merry Heart Does Good Like a Medicine"), which speaks of its medicinal qualities, suggesting a robust and beneficial inner state that contributes to overall health and vitality.

**What does it mean for the "spirit to be broken"?**

Answer: For the "spirit" (Hebrew: _rûwach_) to be "broken" (Hebrew: _nâkêʼ_) signifies a profound state of inner despair, dejection, or crushed vitality. The _rûwach_ refers to one's inner disposition, life force, or breath. When it is broken, it means that one's inner strength, hope, and resilience are severely diminished. This condition can lead to a loss of motivation, a sense of hopelessness, and a deep emotional and spiritual weariness. It is a state where the very core of one's being feels wounded and depleted, often as a result of prolonged or intense sorrow of the heart. The Bible often speaks of God being near to those with a broken spirit, as seen in [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart"), indicating a state of humility and dependence before the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the natural consequence of inner states, Christ offers the divine solution to the brokenness of spirit and the source of true, enduring joy. Humanity, plagued by sin, often experiences a "sorrow of the heart" that leads to a "broken spirit" because of separation from God and the weight of the world's fallenness. Jesus, however, came to heal the brokenhearted (as prophesied in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")) and to give life more abundantly ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - I Have Come That They May Have Life")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ bore the ultimate sorrow and brokenness, so that those who believe in Him might receive a new spirit and a new heart ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit")). The "merry heart" for the believer is not merely an emotional state but a spiritual reality rooted in the indwelling Holy Spirit, who produces "joy" as a fruit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy")). This joy is a supernatural gift, a deep-seated gladness that transcends circumstances, enabling believers to maintain a "cheerful countenance" even amidst trials, knowing that their ultimate hope is secure in Christ, who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In Me You May Have Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 17:22

¶ A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

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?

John 14:1

¶ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Proverbs 15:15

¶ All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast.

2 Corinthians 7:10

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

2 Corinthians 2:7

So that contrariwise ye [ought] rather to forgive [him], and comfort [him], lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.