Sadness

Heaviness of heart brought about through disappointment, disillusionment, failure or sin. It can lead to depression of spirit, but this can be relieved.

Sadness caused by disappointment or disillusionment

Nehemiah 2:1–3 See also Genesis 40:6–7; 1 Kings 21:4; Ecclesiastes 6:1–2; Isaiah 19:1–10; Matthew 19:21–22 parallels Mark 10:21–22, Luke 18:22–23; Matthew 26:21–22; Luke 24:17

Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

Sadness leading to depression of spirit

Numbers 11:14–15 See also Joshua 7:7; 1 Kings 19:3–4; Psalm 42:3–4; Jeremiah 15:10

I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me. If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now — if I have found favor in Your eyes — and let me not see my own wretchedness.”

The relief of sadness

Psalm 42:5–6 See also Proverbs 12:25, Proverbs 15:30, Proverbs 17:22, Proverbs 31:6–7; Philippians 2:19

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon — even from Mount Mizar.