Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? 

The spirit is the engine of endurance. When it is strong, anchored in hope, truth, and God, it can carry us through deep valleys. But when the spirit is wounded, even minor external pressures become unbearable. It can lead to depression, spiritual confusion, or even suicidal despair. This proverb affirms the value of inner health over outward strength.

Care for the spirit as much as the body. This means cultivating hope, faith, forgiveness, joy, and perspective. Support others with wounded spirits by praying for those suffering depression or emotional trauma. Avoid harsh words and judgment; they can deepen spiritual wounds (see Proverbs 15:4).

Seek God’s healing for the inner man: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

A man with a whole spirit can survive the worst day. A man with a broken spirit may not make it through an ordinary one. God calls us to strengthen our spirits through Him, to rely not on ourselves but on His sustaining grace, even in suffering. He also calls us to be agents of healing to the wounded around us by setting a godly example as Christ did for us (1Pet. 2:21-23).

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps.  34:18).

Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? 

‘But a wounded spirit who can bear?’ In contrast, a broken, crushed, or wounded spirit, whether from grief, guilt, despair, betrayal, or depression, can become unbearable. When a person’s inner life collapses, no amount of external comfort or help seems enough. This rhetorical question implies that such sorrow can be crippling and isolating. The body may be strong, but when the spirit is wounded, life itself can feel unbearable. The most devastating affliction is not always physical, but emotional and spiritual.

Examples of a wounded spirit: Cain was crushed by guilt after murdering Abel, he cried, “My punishment is greater than I can bear” (Gen.  4:13-14). Eli’s daughter-in-law, upon hearing of her husband and father-in-law’s death and the Ark’s capture, died in despair, naming her son Ichabod, meaning ‘the glory is departed.’ (1Sam. 4:19-22). Saul was overwhelmed by fear and spiritual desolation after being rejected by God (1Sam. 28:20). Ahithophel took his own life when his advice was rejected, showing his wounded pride and despair (2Sam. 17:23). Zimri burned the king’s house down upon himself in desperation, rather than face defeat (1Kin. 16:18). Pashur, after mistreating Jeremiah, was rejected and publicly humiliated, and beared the name “terror on every side” (Jer. 20:4). Judas Iscariot returned the silver and hanged himself when he was filled with guilt and shame after betraying Jesus (Matt. 27:5). To be continued…

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…