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10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy;
    he will not share these with a stranger.

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10 The heart knows its own bitterness—
    an outsider cannot share in its joy.

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13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful,
    and mirth may end in heaviness.

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13 Even in laughter there may be heartache,
    and at the end of joy there may be grief.

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13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
    but an aching heart breaks the spirit.

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13 A happy heart enlightens the face,
    but a sad heart reflects a broken spirit.

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22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

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22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit drains one’s strength.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:22 Lit. spirit dries the bones

14 A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness,
    but a crushed spirit, who can bear?

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14 A man’s spirit can sustain him during his illness,
    but who can bear a crushed spirit?

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20 As one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
    or vinegar on soda,
    so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

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20 Taking your coat off when it’s cold
    or pouring vinegar on soda—
        that’s what singing songs does to a heavy heart.

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11 Be wise, my son,
    and bring joy to my heart,
    then I can answer my tormentor.

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11 Be wise, my son, and make me happy,
    so I can reply to anyone who insults me.

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An evil man is snared by his sin,
    but the righteous can sing and be glad.

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The Wicked and Righteous Contrasted

An evil man is trapped by transgression,
    but the righteous person sings and rejoices.

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