Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:13, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
American Standard Version
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; And the end of mirth is heaviness.
World English Bible version
Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness.
Proverbs 14:13 Meaning & Commentary
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief. – Proverbs 14:13 (ESV)
Emotions can be very temperamental – we can quickly go from happy to sad and sad to happy. Also, sometimes what we see on the outside is not always indicative of what is being felt inside. Proverbs 14:13 says, “even in laughter, the heart may ache.” This could be taken as the outward appearance is deceiving and does not always reveal a person’s heart. We could encounter someone we think is happy or joyful, just by the outward expression, yet they could have an aching heart – meaning that they are feeling sad, or worst yet, depressed.
The second portion of Proverbs 14:13 says that “the end of joy may be grief.” This could be interpreted in several different ways. When someone embarks down a particular path, it may initially be a joyful path, but the end of that road good be grief or sorrow. Perhaps this is an unhealthy relationship with someone else – it could initially bring joy but ultimately end in grief or sorrow. This could refer to different life choices which seemingly bring joy to a person; however, the end of the road could be grief, just as we see one verse earlier: Proverbs 14:12 – There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Also, the truth is that neither joy nor grief lasts forever. Life is filled with ups and downs and valleys and mountains.
Although someone may be experiencing great joy now, life is unpredictable, and anything can happen at any moment. Hence, we are all just one circumstance or one event away from experiencing grief. Life can be like a rollercoaster – sometimes we are joyful but could experience grief at any moment, and sometimes we are sorrowful, yet The Bible tells us that joy comes in the morning: Psalm 30:5 – Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:13 to our lives?
Life is unpredictable, and if we live by our feelings or are led by our emotions – we will make bad decisions and miss the mark in our walk with God. The main application to our lives is to put our trust fully in God – in the good and bad times, God is our rock and anchor. Although tough times and grief will come at some point in our lives, God says that the joy of The Lord is our strength: Nehemiah 8:10 – ….the joy of the Lord is your strength. When we rely on the joy of The Lord as our strength, and even Then Lord himself, we will not easily be moved nor swayed to the left or the right:
Hebrews 12:28 – Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. The Kingdom of God cannot be shaken, which means that when we put God first and live according to His principles and His Word, we are living on a firm foundation, and though emotions may change and circumstances change – we will stand firm and solid in the Kingdom of God.
We see in Romans 14:17 some of the aspects or elements of The Kingdom of God: Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Another application is to be kind and loving toward other people, as we never know what grief or struggles they may be dealing with in their hearts. Sometimes the outward appearance can be deceiving – just because someone is smiling or seems happy does not mean they may not be wrestling with grief and sorrow. It is important always to apply the “golden rule” that Jesus taught us: Matthew 22:38-39 – This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for being a firm and solid foundation in my life. I know you are there in every season, whether good or bad. Thank You that I have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Please help me be sensitive to other people’s needs and feelings. Help me extend love, mercy, and forgiveness to everyone I meet. I choose to put my trust fully in you today. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
