KJV ORIGINAL
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
A joyful heart makes your face light up with happiness, but when your heart is full of sadness, it crushes your spirit.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is saying that our inner emotions show up on our faces and affect our whole being - joy brightens us while deep sadness can break us down.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from King Solomon's collection of wisdom sayings, written around 950-900 BC. In ancient Hebrew culture, the heart was understood to be the center of emotions, thoughts, and character, not just feelings. The connection between inner emotional health and outward appearance was recognized as fundamental to human wellbeing.
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