Proverbs 18:14 kjv

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

Proverbs 18:14 nkjv

The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?

Proverbs 18:14 niv

The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

Proverbs 18:14 esv

A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

Proverbs 18:14 nlt

The human spirit can endure a sick body,
but who can bear a crushed spirit?

Proverbs 18 verses

Proverbs 18 14 Meaning

The proverb contrasts the enduring power of the human spirit in physical suffering with the overwhelming despair of a crushed spirit. It conveys that a strong inner resolve and will can enable a person to bear physical illness or adversity. However, when the spirit itself, the core of one's being, is deeply wounded, broken, or dejected, no one, neither the afflicted person nor those around them, can truly sustain or endure such profound spiritual pain. This highlights that inner anguish is often far more debilitating than physical ailments.

Proverbs 18 14 Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom, offering concise, divinely inspired principles for righteous living and understanding the nature of reality from a divine perspective. Chapter 18 contains a diverse collection of individual proverbs dealing with topics such as the power of words, the nature of friendships and foolishness, and the importance of self-control. Within this practical wisdom, verse 14 shifts focus from external actions to the internal condition of a person. In ancient cultures, where medical knowledge was limited, the resilience of the human spirit was crucial for enduring physical hardship. The verse acknowledges the real effects of sickness while also elevating the significance of mental and emotional fortitude. It tacitly highlights a truth understood by early scholars of human nature: genuine well-being transcends the physical.

Proverbs 18 14 Word analysis

• The spirit (רוּחַ - ruach): In Hebrew, ruach is a rich word with multiple meanings: breath, wind, life-force, and crucially, the non-material aspect of a person—their inner being, disposition, will, intellect, and emotions. Here, it refers to a person's inner fortitude, mental resilience, or vitality.
• of a man (אִישׁ - ish): Denotes an individual person, emphasizing the personal and internal nature of the spirit. It highlights that this strength or weakness resides within each human being.
• will sustain (יְכַלְכֵּל - yekhalkel): From the root kul, meaning "to contain," "to nourish," "to provide for," "to uphold," "to endure." It signifies the capacity to bear or carry through, to maintain one's composure and function despite adversity.
• his infirmity (מַחֲלֵהוּ - makhalehu): Derived from the word for "sickness" or "disease" (makhaleh). It refers to physical illness, ailments, or any bodily weakness. The suffix indicates possession, "his" infirmity.
• but (וְ - ve): This conjunction acts as a strong contrast, signaling a significant shift in thought. The proverb pivots from one condition to its diametrically opposite, emphasizing the severe difference between the two.
• a wounded spirit (רוּחַ נְכֵאָה - ruach nekhe'ah): This is a powerful phrase. Ruach (spirit) again refers to the core inner self. Nekhe'ah comes from a root meaning "to smite," "to strike down," "to crush." Thus, a nekhe'ah spirit is one that is broken, crushed, dejected, despondent, deeply discouraged, or utterly disheartened. It describes an internal state of despair and loss of hope or vitality.
• who can bear? (מִי יִשָּׂא - mi yissa): A rhetorical question. Mi means "who?" and yissa (from nasa) means "to lift," "to carry," "to bear," "to endure." The implied answer is "no one." It underscores the extreme difficulty, if not impossibility, for anyone—either the person themselves or those trying to help them—to sustain or cope with a spirit so utterly devastated. It emphasizes the profound nature of such inner suffering.

Proverbs 18 14 Bonus section

The biblical understanding of the human being is holistic, viewing the person as a unity of body, soul, and spirit, though distinctions exist. A "wounded spirit" differs from general sadness or sorrow; it describes a deep, often debilitating internal state that affects one's entire being and capacity to function. It touches upon a level of inner despair and hopelessness that can manifest in various ways, from profound sadness to a complete loss of vitality or meaning. This deep affliction highlights the biblical truth that true restoration for such wounds ultimately comes from God, who is uniquely able to "bind up the brokenhearted" and "heal the wounded spirit" as emphasized in other Scriptures. The emphasis on the spirit's capacity for endurance also reflects God's design for humanity, enabling us to face trials with divine empowerment, as Christ Himself endured immense physical suffering through His unyielding spiritual resolve.

Proverbs 18 14 Commentary

Proverbs 18:14 reveals a profound psychological and spiritual insight: the power of internal resilience. It teaches that human beings possess an innate capacity (their "spirit" or inner fortitude) to withstand and even overcome physical suffering, sickness, or adversity. This internal strength, driven by will and disposition, can act as a bulwark against the assaults of the body. However, the verse sharply contrasts this by declaring the unparalleled devastation of a "wounded spirit." When one's inner core—their hope, joy, and will to live—is broken or crushed, no amount of physical health or external support can provide solace or healing. Such an internal state of despair is depicted as unbearable. While the proverb does not explicitly state it, the rhetorical question "who can bear?" implicitly points to the divine as the only true source of comfort and restoration for a deeply wounded spirit. It calls us to recognize the holistic nature of our well-being and the critical importance of a healthy spiritual and emotional life, often transcending the immediate concern of physical health.