Proverbs 18:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The spirit {H7307} of a man {H376} will sustain {H3557} his infirmity {H4245}; but a wounded {H5218} spirit {H7307} who can bear {H5375}?

Complete Jewish Bible

A person's spirit can sustain him when ill, but a crushed spirit - who can bear it?

Berean Standard Bible

The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

American Standard Version

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 18:14 offers a profound insight into the human capacity for endurance, distinguishing sharply between physical affliction and spiritual distress. It posits that the inner resolve and fortitude of an individual can enable them to withstand bodily sickness or weakness. However, the proverb then poses a rhetorical question, highlighting the overwhelming and often unbearable burden of a deeply wounded, crushed, or broken spirit, suggesting that such a condition transcends ordinary human capacity for resilience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 18:14 is situated within a collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), which are characterized by their concise, often antithetical, statements offering practical wisdom for daily living. This particular verse follows proverbs that speak to the power of words (Proverbs 18:6-8) and the importance of diligence and self-control (Proverbs 18:9-13). Its placement here emphasizes the internal state of a person as a foundational element of their well-being, preceding discussions on the value of a friend (Proverbs 18:24) and the dangers of folly. The verse stands as a poignant observation on the psychological and spiritual dimensions of human suffering, contrasting the resilience of the physical body with the vulnerability of the inner self.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient cultures, health was often viewed holistically, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. While physical ailments were recognized, there was also a deep understanding of the impact of one's inner state—their heart, soul, or spirit—on overall vitality. The concept of "spirit" (Hebrew: _ruach_) was multifaceted, referring not only to breath or wind but also to the animating principle of life, the seat of emotions, will, and intellect. A "wounded spirit" would have been understood as a profound internal affliction, perhaps stemming from grief, shame, guilt, or deep disappointment, which could manifest in physical decline or a complete loss of vitality. The proverb reflects a society that recognized the interconnectedness of these aspects of human experience, valuing inner fortitude as much as, if not more than, physical strength.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. It underscores the theme of **human resilience**, particularly the capacity of the inner person to endure external hardships. This is a recurring idea, as seen in passages that speak to the strength found in wisdom and understanding (e.g., [Proverbs 24:5](/proverbs/24-5 "Proverbs 24:5 - A Wise Man is Strong")). More profoundly, it highlights the theme of **the vulnerability of the human spirit**, asserting that internal brokenness is a far more devastating and difficult trial than physical pain. This resonates with the wisdom found in [Proverbs 17:22](/proverbs/17-22 "Proverbs 17:22 - A Cheerful Heart"), which states, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones," emphasizing the critical role of one's emotional and spiritual state in overall health and well-being. Ultimately, the verse points to the limits of human self-sufficiency in the face of deep spiritual anguish, implicitly suggesting a need for external, perhaps divine, intervention or comfort.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This term (H7307) is central to the proverb, appearing twice. It denotes "wind" or "breath" but extends figuratively to the "spirit" of a rational being, encompassing one's life force, courage, mind, and emotional state. In the first clause, it refers to the inner vitality or mental fortitude of a person that enables them to endure. In the second, it highlights the core of one's being, specifically when it is afflicted or broken. The contrast underscores the critical importance of this inner dimension.
* **Sustain (Hebrew, _kûwl'_):** Derived from H3557, this verb means "to keep in," "to measure," and figuratively, "to maintain" or "to bear." In the context of the first clause, it signifies the spirit's ability to uphold, support, or provide sustenance to a person despite their physical "infirmity." It speaks to the internal capacity to endure and continue functioning in the face of adversity.
* **Wounded (Hebrew, _nâkêʼ'_):** This adjective (H5218) comes from a root meaning "to be smitten" or "to be afflicted." It describes a spirit that is not merely sad or discouraged but profoundly "broken," "stricken," or "crushed." This term conveys a deep, debilitating internal injury, far more severe than a transient emotional upset, rendering the spirit incapable of its usual sustaining function.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity":** This clause asserts the remarkable resilience of the human inner self. "The spirit of a man" refers to one's inner strength, will, or psychological fortitude. "Infirmity" (Hebrew: _machăleh_) denotes physical sickness, disease, or weakness. The phrase suggests that even when the body is afflicted, a strong, healthy spirit can provide the necessary resolve, mental toughness, and inner resources to bear the physical pain, illness, or disability. It highlights the mind-body connection, where inner vitality can significantly impact one's capacity to cope with physical suffering.
* **"but a wounded spirit who can bear?":** This second clause stands in stark contrast to the first, introduced by the adversative "but." It shifts focus to a far more debilitating condition: a "wounded spirit" (Hebrew: _rûwach nâkêʼ_). This refers to a deeply broken, crushed, or despondent inner being, afflicted by profound emotional pain, grief, guilt, or despair. The rhetorical question "who can bear?" emphasizes the overwhelming and often unbearable nature of such spiritual anguish. Unlike physical pain, which a strong spirit can help endure, a spirit that is itself broken loses its capacity to sustain, leaving the individual in a state of profound vulnerability and helplessness, often beyond their own ability to cope.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:14 masterfully employs **Antithesis** to highlight a profound truth. The verse presents two contrasting clauses: the first describes the strength of the spirit in sustaining physical infirmity, while the second questions who can bear a wounded spirit. This direct opposition underscores the qualitative difference between physical and spiritual suffering, elevating the latter as the more debilitating condition. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("who can bear?") in the second clause is particularly effective. It serves not to elicit an answer, but to emphasize the overwhelming and almost insurmountable nature of a broken spirit, inviting the reader to acknowledge the profound depth of such pain and the limits of human endurance. The verse also implicitly uses **Metonymy**, where "spirit" (ruach) stands for the entire inner person—their will, emotions, and psychological state—and "infirmity" for physical ailments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 18:14 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of human suffering and resilience, distinguishing between the capacity to endure physical pain and the crushing weight of spiritual brokenness. It implicitly points to the limits of human self-sufficiency, particularly when the very core of one's being is afflicted. While a robust inner spirit can indeed provide strength in the face of bodily ailments, the proverb suggests that a spirit that is itself wounded or crushed is beyond human capacity to bear alone. This highlights the deep need for external comfort, healing, and divine intervention, affirming that true and lasting solace for the deepest wounds of the soul must come from a source beyond oneself.

* [Proverbs 17:22](/proverbs/17-22 "Proverbs 17:22 - A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted")
* [Psalm 147:3](/psalms/147-3 "Psalm 147:3 - He Heals the Brokenhearted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 18:14 serves as a timeless and deeply relevant reminder of the profound importance of our inner, spiritual well-being. In a world that often prioritizes physical health and material success, this proverb refocuses our attention on the state of our spirit, revealing it as the ultimate determinant of our capacity to navigate life's trials. It calls us to cultivate a strong and resilient inner life, recognizing that this fortitude is our primary resource in enduring physical hardships. More critically, it compels us to acknowledge the devastating impact of a wounded spirit, fostering empathy and compassion for those suffering from unseen burdens like depression, grief, trauma, or profound despair. This understanding should motivate us to seek holistic care for ourselves and to extend genuine support, understanding, and practical help to others whose spirits are broken, recognizing that their struggle is often far more debilitating than any physical ailment. It also underscores the vital role of faith and community in providing the comfort and healing that human strength alone cannot supply.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to the health of my spirit as diligently as I tend to my physical health?**
* **In what ways have I seen the truth of this proverb play out in my own life or the lives of those around me?**
* **What practical steps can I take to support someone whose spirit appears wounded, recognizing the limits of their own capacity to bear it?**
* **How does my faith inform my understanding of a "wounded spirit" and the path to healing?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "infirmity" and a "wounded spirit" in this proverb?**

Answer: "Infirmity" (Hebrew: _machăleh_) primarily refers to physical sickness, disease, or bodily weakness. It's an affliction of the body. A "wounded spirit" (Hebrew: _rûwach nâkêʼ_), however, refers to a deep internal affliction of one's core being—their emotions, will, and psychological state. It's a condition of profound emotional pain, despair, or brokenness that affects the very capacity to live and cope. The proverb highlights that while a strong inner spirit can help a person endure physical pain, a spirit that is itself wounded loses that capacity for endurance, making its burden far heavier.

**Does this proverb suggest that physical ailments are less serious than spiritual ones?**

Answer: The proverb does not diminish the seriousness of physical ailments. Rather, it emphasizes the unique and often more debilitating nature of spiritual and emotional suffering. It points out that a person's inner strength (their spirit) can help them cope with physical sickness, but when that inner strength itself is broken, the capacity to cope with *anything* is severely diminished. It highlights that the state of one's spirit is foundational to overall well-being and resilience, making a "wounded spirit" a particularly grievous condition.

**How can one "bear" a wounded spirit if the proverb says "who can bear?"**

Answer: The rhetorical question "who can bear?" underscores the extreme difficulty and overwhelming nature of a wounded spirit, implying that it is often beyond an individual's self-generated capacity to endure alone. It points to the need for external help, comfort, and healing. While human strength may fail, the proverb implicitly directs us to seek solace and healing from sources beyond ourselves, whether through compassionate community, professional help, or, most profoundly, through divine intervention. The Bible often speaks of God as the one who [heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds](/psalms/147-3 "Psalm 147:3 - God Heals the Brokenhearted"), providing the ultimate answer to "who can bear?"

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 18:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The first clause, "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity," points to the remarkable human capacity for endurance, a capacity perfectly embodied by Christ. He bore immense physical suffering—scourging, crucifixion, and the agony of the cross—with an unwavering spirit, driven by His mission to redeem humanity (see [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross")). Yet, it is in the second clause, "but a wounded spirit who can bear?", where Christ's redemptive work shines most brightly. On the cross, Jesus experienced not just physical pain, but a profound "wounded spirit" as He bore the sin of the world. His cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), reveals the ultimate spiritual brokenness—the separation from the Father—that He endured on our behalf. No mere man could bear such a wounded spirit; only the Son of God could fully absorb the spiritual consequences of humanity's sin. Through His bearing of this ultimate wounded spirit, Jesus offers healing and restoration to our own broken spirits, providing a comfort and peace that transcends human capacity ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed"); [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Have Been Healed")). The Holy Spirit, the _Ruach_ of God, now indwells believers, empowering us to face our infirmities and providing the divine comfort and strength to mend our wounded spirits, transforming our inability to bear into His perfect sufficiency ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Comforter"); [Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

1 Peter 1:6

¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

Psalms 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

James 1:2

¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;