Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. – Proverbs 14: 13

Proverbs is widely known as the book of wisdom, so reading Proverbs 14:13 can make a person wonder:

Why is Solomon bringing up concealed depression in the book of wisdom?

Perhaps to inform us that there’s way more to folks than what meets the eye.

And if we’re to follow God’s command to love others, we have to develop a deeper understanding of one another and be ever mindful of the fact that we truly never know what a person is going through.

People oftentimes conceal their true emotions for fear of being judged, misunderstood, or talked about. 

Or because they feel that expressing how they feel won’t change their situation.

So in turn, many people do what they think is expected of them: They smile, laugh, joke around, chat about light-hearted topics, etc. 

But what ends up happening is that they slip deeper and deeper into darkness, suffering in silence.

Some people suffer with burdens so excruciating that it goes far beyond the average person’s comprehension – things so bad, that if others experienced them, they would literally end up in their graves.

Yet somehow God gives these folks the strength to keep going and they push out bursts of laughter and false signs of happiness.  So we can’t assume someone is alright just because they look alright. Looks can be incredibly deceiving.

 

Some of the most seemingly happy people, people who look like they have it all and have it all together, take their own lives.

So we have to be very gentle and kind with everyone we meet and show compassion rather than judgment.

Because we never know who might need our help.

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, forgive me for the times I’ve judged others at face value. Give me the wisdom to understand that people are complex.  Help me to be available for those who may need my help during a desperate time in their lives. Reveal to me people around me who are struggling in silence and show me how I can best support them. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.