The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

PROVERBS 18:14KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“wounded” Hebrew H5218 · used in 4 verses

  • Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
  • Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
  • Isaiah 16:7 Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken.

“infirmity” Hebrew H4245 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • Exodus 23:25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:28 If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:

“sustain” Hebrew H3557 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 45:11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
  • 1 Kings 8:27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
  • Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.