Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 18:14 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear? "
Proverbs 18:14
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
13 He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
14 A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
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Outward troubles are bearable as long as the mind stays steady and at peace. In this world, we are all exposed to many weaknesses and hardships in body, reputation, and property. A person can endure these if he has self-control and courage, and can still think clearly and act wisely. This is especially true if he has a good conscience and knows it stands for him. If a person’s own spirit can support his weakness, how much more can a Christian’s spirit be sustained by the Spirit of God, who works with our spirit in a time of trouble.
But troubles that wound the spirit are the hardest of all to bear. They make the burden of other sufferings feel even heavier. If the spirit is hurt by confused thinking, deep discouragement under trouble, or a hopeless view that no relief will come, who can bear that? If it is wounded by a strong sense of God’s anger against sin, and by the fearful expectation of judgment and fiery wrath, the pain is overwhelming. A wounded spirit cannot heal itself, and others often do not know how to help. So it is wise to keep a clear conscience and avoid giving offense.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 18:1
"A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment."
Proverbs 18:2
"A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion."
Proverbs 18:3
"When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace."
Proverbs 18:4
"The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook."
Proverbs 18:5
"To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice."
Proverbs 18:6
"A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings."
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