King James Version

What Does Proverbs 14:13 Mean?

Proverbs 14:13 in the King James Version says “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.”

Proverbs 14:13 · KJV

Context

11

The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

12

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

13

Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

14

The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

15

The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Read Proverbs 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This proverb addresses the paradox of temporary pleasure and lasting sorrow. "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful" reveals hidden pain. Gam-bishoq yikh'av-lev (גַּם־בִּשְׂחוֹק יִכְאַב־לֵב, even in laughter the heart is pained). Sechoq (שְׂחוֹק, laughter) masks ka'av (כָּאַב, pain, grief) in lev (לֵב, heart). Outward mirth doesn't guarantee inner joy.

"And the end of that mirth is heaviness" exposes superficiality's outcome. Ve'acharitah simchah tugah (וְאַחֲרִיתָהּ שִׂמְחָה תוּגָה, and its end—mirth—sorrow). Acharit (אַחֲרִית, end, outcome, afterward) of simchah (שִׂמְחָה, joy, gladness) is tugah (תּוּגָה, grief, sorrow). Apparent happiness concludes in sadness.

The proverb warns against superficial pleasure divorced from genuine joy. Ecclesiastes 2:2 says of laughter: "It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?" Worldly pleasures provide temporary relief but don't address deep heart needs. Genuine joy comes from knowing God. Psalm 16:11 promises fullness of joy in God's presence. Jesus offered living water that satisfies eternally (John 4:13-14). Philippians 4:4 commands rejoicing in the Lord always—a joy rooted in relationship with Christ that transcends circumstances. Worldly mirth ends in heaviness; godly joy endures even through suffering (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient feasts and celebrations provided temporary escape from life's hardships. Yet underneath revelry often lay unresolved pain. Ecclesiastes explores this theme—Solomon's pursuit of pleasure ultimately proved empty (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). Hedonistic cultures like Rome offered bread and circuses, distracting from spiritual poverty. This proverb cuts through shallow optimism, exposing the heart's deep need for genuine joy found only in God.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might you be using entertainment, humor, or activities to mask underlying sorrow rather than addressing it?
  2. How does superficial happiness differ from the deep joy that comes from relationship with God through Christ?
  3. What would it look like to pursue genuine joy in the Lord rather than fleeting mirth that ends in heaviness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
גַּם1 of 7
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בִּשְׂחֹ֥ק2 of 7

“Even in laughter”

H7814

laughter (in merriment or defiance)

יִכְאַב3 of 7

“is sorrowful”

H3510

properly, to feel pain; by implication, to grieve; figuratively, to spoil

לֵ֑ב4 of 7

“the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְאַחֲרִיתָ֖הּ5 of 7

“and the end”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

שִׂמְחָ֣ה6 of 7

“of that mirth”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

תוּגָֽה׃7 of 7

“is heaviness”

H8424

depression (of spirits); concretely a grief

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 14:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 14:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 2:2James 4:9Ecclesiastes 7:5-6Ecclesiastes 11:9Luke 16:25Proverbs 5:4

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Proverbs 14 with CommentaryAll Proverbs ChaptersComplete Proverbs QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes