Proverbs 14:13Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. The royal court where Solomon observed human nature. Jerusalem, Israel.
The emotion here: melancholy wisdom from observing human masks
The original word
leb (לֵב) — the inner person, seat of emotions and thoughts, not just feelings
Why it matters
Solomon's court included entertainment and feasts while he dealt with complex political pressures
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 14:13
This was written by someone who had everything yet understood profound emptiness
Common misconceptionPeople think this condemns laughter, but it's actually validating that it's normal to feel sad even when laughing - you're not broken for feeling both emotions.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 14:13
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 14:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 14:13 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include emotions, hidden pain. Notable phrases: heart may be sorrowful; mirth may end.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 14:13 mean to you, today?
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