In Proverbs 18:14, Solomon writes, “The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?” (v.14). This proverb compares physical illness with the emotional and spiritual fortitude of the human heart. Our inner resolve, described here as the “spirit of a man,” can be remarkably strong even when our bodies battle afflictions. A hopeful or steady disposition can make bodily suffering more bearable and help in pressing on through pain and trials. By contrast, if one’s spirit becomes dejected or “broken,” the load of life becomes unbearably heavy. The verse underscores an age-old observation: while bodily ailments often can be healed or alleviated, a crushed heart or wounded soul is far harder to mend.
The phrase “But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?” (v.14) highlights how discouragement and despair can overshadow even the hardest physical struggles. When we lose hope, it may feel like no remedy exists to recover our sense of well-being. This internal collapse impacts one’s ability to cope, often leading to isolation and hopelessness. Many have turned to God’s promises in such moments, finding that healing or comfort goes beyond the physical. This theme resonates in other parts of Scripture, where Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28), demonstrating that the spiritual dimension is paramount in our ability to endure life’s challenges.
The proverb implicitly points to the importance of spiritual vitality. Nurturing hope, faith, and a confident perspective on the basis of God’s faithfulness provides a foundation for enduring hardships, whether sickness or emotional heaviness. Throughout the Bible, Scripture testifies that God provides comfort for both the body and the soul, a truth manifested in the New Testament through Christ’s compassion for the suffering (Luke 4:18). Therefore, Proverbs 18:14 encourages every believer to guard their spirit, filling it with the sustaining power of God’s Word so that when life’s afflictions come, they do not overwhelm.
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Proverbs 18:14 meaning
In Proverbs 18:14, Solomon writes, “The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?” (v.14). This proverb compares physical illness with the emotional and spiritual fortitude of the human heart. Our inner resolve, described here as the “spirit of a man,” can be remarkably strong even when our bodies battle afflictions. A hopeful or steady disposition can make bodily suffering more bearable and help in pressing on through pain and trials. By contrast, if one’s spirit becomes dejected or “broken,” the load of life becomes unbearably heavy. The verse underscores an age-old observation: while bodily ailments often can be healed or alleviated, a crushed heart or wounded soul is far harder to mend.
The phrase “But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?” (v.14) highlights how discouragement and despair can overshadow even the hardest physical struggles. When we lose hope, it may feel like no remedy exists to recover our sense of well-being. This internal collapse impacts one’s ability to cope, often leading to isolation and hopelessness. Many have turned to God’s promises in such moments, finding that healing or comfort goes beyond the physical. This theme resonates in other parts of Scripture, where Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28), demonstrating that the spiritual dimension is paramount in our ability to endure life’s challenges.
The proverb implicitly points to the importance of spiritual vitality. Nurturing hope, faith, and a confident perspective on the basis of God’s faithfulness provides a foundation for enduring hardships, whether sickness or emotional heaviness. Throughout the Bible, Scripture testifies that God provides comfort for both the body and the soul, a truth manifested in the New Testament through Christ’s compassion for the suffering (Luke 4:18). Therefore, Proverbs 18:14 encourages every believer to guard their spirit, filling it with the sustaining power of God’s Word so that when life’s afflictions come, they do not overwhelm.