Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
This proverb teaches that inner strength, courage, and hope, the “spirit” of a man, can enable him to endure physical suffering or external hardship. The “spirit” refers to the inner person: the heart, will, emotions, and attitude. A resilient and trusting spirit gives a person the capacity to persevere through great affliction.
A strong spirit doesn’t remove pain but provides the grit to bear it with faith, patience, or even joy. When your inner person is whole and anchored, even the worst external conditions can be endured.
Examples of being sustained in infirmity: Job – though he lost wealth, health, and children, Job still blessed the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Even in physical suffering, his faith-driven spirit sustained him (Job 2:8-10). Paul recounted many sufferings (beatings, shipwreck, hunger, imprisonments), yet said: “When I am weak, then am I strong” (2Cor. 12:10). His unshakable trust in Christ gave him strength through extreme trials (2Cor 11:23-33). To be continued…
Living the Word 