Proverbs 12:25 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 12:25 mean?

Proverbs 12:25 says that when a person’s heart is weighed down with worry or anxiety, it can make them feel low or burdened, but a kind or encouraging word can lift their spirits and bring gladness. The verse highlights the power of words to either deepen someone’s sorrow or help relieve it.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, offering practical advice for daily life. The focus here is on the emotional impact of both worry and encouragement, showing how much influence our words can have on the well-being of others in ordinary, everyday situations.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 12:25

• "Heaviness" (דְּאָגָה, de'agah) refers to anxiety or worry, not just general sadness. This word points to the kind of inner turmoil that can weigh a person down.
• "Stoop" (שָׁחָה, shakhah) means to bow down or sink, suggesting that worry doesn’t just affect feelings but can visibly lower a person’s mood or energy.
• "Good" (טוֹב, tov) describes something pleasant, kind, or beneficial. In this context, it means a word that is genuinely helpful or uplifting, not just polite.
• "Glad" (שָׂמַח, samach) means to rejoice or be made happy, showing that encouragement can truly change someone’s emotional state, not just offer a brief distraction.

Why Proverbs 12:25 matters

• Proverbs 12:25 clarifies that emotional burdens are not just private struggles; they can be seen and even eased by others through simple, thoughtful words.
• The verse emphasizes the practical value of encouragement, showing that kindness is not just a virtue but a real help to someone who is struggling.
• In the wider context of Proverbs, this saying fits with the theme that wisdom is not only about knowledge but also about how we treat others in everyday life.