Proverbs 15:13 Meaning and Explanation
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Inner joy shows in the face; inner sorrow breaks the spirit.
The Context of Proverbs 15:13
The condition of the heart shapes both appearance and inner resilience.
What Does Proverbs 15:13 Mean?
This verse observes the visible effects of internal states. A merry heart produces a cheerful countenance—the joy inside radiates outward in the face. Sorrow, by contrast, does not simply show; it actively breaks the spirit, crushing the inner person.
The asymmetry is notable: joy generates cheerfulness (almost outwardly), while sorrow damages the person internally. This suggests that emotional states have real, observable consequences both for how we appear and for our inner health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 15:13
What does Proverbs 15:13 mean?
Inner joy shows in the face; inner sorrow breaks the spirit.
What is the context of Proverbs 15:13?
The condition of the heart shapes both appearance and inner resilience.