Proverbs 18:14 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 18:14 mean?

Proverbs 18:14 says that a person's inner spirit can help them endure physical sickness or trouble, but if their spirit itself is crushed or broken, it is almost impossible to keep going. The verse highlights the vital role of a person's inner strength in facing life's hardships.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for daily living, often attributed to Solomon and directed to anyone seeking understanding. This verse draws a sharp contrast between physical suffering and emotional or spiritual suffering, showing that while the body can be supported by a strong spirit, a "wounded spirit" leaves a person without the resources to cope. The proverb invites the reader to recognize how crucial inner resilience is when facing adversity.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 18:14

• "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word often means breath, wind, or spirit, and here it refers to a person's inner life or emotional strength. The verse points out that this inner "ruach" is what sustains a person through trouble.
• "sustain" (כּוּל, kul): This verb means to support, endure, or bear up. The proverb uses it to show that the spirit is what enables someone to keep going through "infirmity."
• "infirmity" (מַחֲלָה, machalah): This word refers to sickness, weakness, or affliction. The verse is talking about real, tangible troubles, not just minor discomforts.
• "wounded" (נֵכֵא, nekeh): This word means stricken, broken, or wounded. A "wounded spirit" is one that has been deeply hurt or crushed, not just discouraged.
• "bear" (נָשָׂא, nasa): This verb means to carry or endure. The question "who can bear?" emphasizes that enduring with a crushed spirit is beyond ordinary human strength.

Why Proverbs 18:14 matters

• Proverbs 18:14 clears up the idea that physical problems are always the hardest to bear; it shows that inner suffering can be even more devastating.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of caring for one's emotional and spiritual well-being, not just physical health.
• In the context of Proverbs, this saying fits with the broader theme of wisdom as something that shapes not just actions, but also the heart and inner life.