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Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A man&#8217;s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The spirit of a person can endure his sickness, But <i>as for</i> a broken spirit, who can endure it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But a broken spirit who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But <i>as for</i> a broken spirit, who can bear it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person&#8217;s spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man&#8217s spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Being cheerful helps when you are sick, but nothing helps when you give up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/18.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />A person's spirit can endure sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Your will to live can sustain you when you are sick, but if you lose it, your last hope is gone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A man's spirit can sustain him during his illness, but who can bear a crushed spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A person's spirit sustains him through sickness--but who can bear a crushed spirit? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A man&#8217;s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The spirit of a man sustains his sickness, "" And who bears a struck spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The spirit of man will sustain his disease; and a dejected spirit who shall lift up?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The spirit of a man upholdeth his infirmity: but a spirit that is easily angered, who can bear? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The spirit of a man sustains his weakness. Yet who can sustain a spirit that is easily angered?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One&#8217;s spirit supports one when ill, but a broken spirit who can bear? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit&#8212;who can bear?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The spirit of a man will endure his suffering; but a distressing spirit, who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The spirit of a man endures his suffering, but who will endure a suffering spirit?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/18-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3609" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">The Selfishness of the Unfriendly</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">13</span>He who answers a matter before he hears it&#8212;this is folly and disgrace to him. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: r&#363;&#183;a&#7717;- (N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">The spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: &#8217;&#238;&#353; (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">of a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3557.htm" title="3557: y&#601;&#183;&#7733;al&#183;k&#234;l (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To comprehend, contain. A primitive root; properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain.">can endure</a> <a href="/hebrew/4245.htm" title="4245: ma&#183;&#7717;a&#774;&#183;l&#234;&#183;h&#363; (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Sickness, disease. Or machalah; from chalah; sickness.">his sickness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: m&#238; (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">but who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: yi&#347;&#183;&#347;&#257;&#183;&#8217;en&#183;n&#257;h (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3fse) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">can survive</a> <a href="/hebrew/5218.htm" title="5218: n&#601;&#183;&#7733;&#234;&#183;&#8217;&#257;h (Adj-fs) -- Smitten, afflicted. Or nakat; from naka'; smitten, i.e. afflicted.">a broken</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: w&#601;&#183;r&#363;&#183;a&#7717; (Conj-w:: N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">spirit?</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Psalm 34:18</a></span><br />The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a></span><br />For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: &#8220;I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">2 Corinthians 4:16</a></span><br />Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Psalm 147:3</a></span><br />He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-4.htm">2 Corinthians 1:4</a></span><br />who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/6-11.htm">Job 6:11</a></span><br />What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a></span><br />Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/42-11.htm">Psalm 42:11</a></span><br />Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-26.htm">Romans 8:26</a></span><br />In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:14</a></span><br />And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-26.htm">Psalm 73:26</a></span><br />My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-1.htm">John 14:1</a></span><br />&#8220;Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-29.htm">Isaiah 40:29-31</a></span><br />He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a></span><br />I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?</p><p class="hdg">spirit</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20,21</a></b></br> Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/2-7.htm">Job 2:7-10</a></b></br> So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Psalm 147:3</a></b></br> He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a></b></br> A merry heart doeth good <i>like</i> a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/6-4.htm">Job 6:4</a></b></br> For the arrows of the Almighty <i>are</i> within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/7-14.htm">Job 7:14,15</a></b></br> Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions: &#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-21.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/psalms/77-10.htm">Infirmity</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-34.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/psalms/41-3.htm">Sickness</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Support</a> <a href="/psalms/119-175.htm">Sustain</a> <a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Sustaineth</a> <a href="/psalms/147-6.htm">Sustains</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-26.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-35.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/matthew/4-23.htm">Infirmity</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm">Sickness</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-35.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Support</a> <a href="/songs/2-5.htm">Sustain</a> <a href="/psalms/3-5.htm">Sustaineth</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Sustains</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">A fool delights not in understanding</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>The spirit of a man can endure his sickness</b><br>This phrase highlights the resilience of the human spirit. In biblical context, the "spirit" often refers to the inner strength or moral character of a person. Throughout Scripture, the spirit is seen as the seat of emotions and will, as in <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>, where God breathes life into man, making him a living being. The ability to endure physical sickness is a testament to the strength of one's spirit, as seen in the perseverance of Job, who maintained his faith despite severe physical afflictions (<a href="/job/2-7.htm">Job 2:7-10</a>). This resilience is also echoed in the New Testament, where Paul speaks of being "hard pressed on every side, but not crushed" (<a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-9</a>), emphasizing the power of inner strength over physical trials.<p><b>but who can survive a broken spirit?</b><br>A broken spirit refers to a state of deep emotional or spiritual distress, which can be more debilitating than physical illness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a person's spirit was closely tied to their relationship with God and community. A broken spirit could result from sin, guilt, or a sense of separation from God, as seen in David's plea for restoration in <a href="/psalms/51-10.htm">Psalm 51:10-12</a>. The rhetorical question "who can survive" underscores the severity of spiritual brokenness, suggesting that without divine intervention, recovery is impossible. This is further illustrated in <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a>, which contrasts a cheerful heart with a crushed spirit. The ultimate healing for a broken spirit is found in Christ, who offers rest for the weary and burdened (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>), fulfilling the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/61.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>, where the Messiah is sent to bind up the brokenhearted.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human nature and the divine are reflected in this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of spiritual and practical life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_human_spirit.htm">The Human Spirit</a></b><br>This verse personifies the human spirit, emphasizing its resilience and the critical role it plays in a person's ability to endure life's challenges.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_resilience_of_the_spirit.htm">The Resilience of the Spirit</a></b><br>The human spirit, when anchored in faith, can withstand physical and emotional trials. Cultivating a strong spirit through prayer, scripture, and community is essential.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_a_broken_spirit.htm">The Danger of a Broken Spirit</a></b><br>A broken spirit can lead to despair and hopelessness. It is crucial to seek God's healing and support from fellow believers to restore a wounded spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_health_over_physical_health.htm">Spiritual Health Over Physical Health</a></b><br>While physical health is important, spiritual health is paramount. Prioritize spiritual disciplines that strengthen your inner being.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>Engage in a community of believers who can provide encouragement and support, helping to uplift and restore spirits that are weary or broken.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'god's_kingdom_within'_mean.htm">What does 'the kingdom of God is within you' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_poverty,_hunger.htm">What does the Bible say about poverty and hunger?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_wars_persist_if_god's_name_is_safe.htm">Proverbs 18:10: Why do wars and disasters persist if God's name supposedly guarantees safety as a 'strong tower'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'god-shaped_hole'_mean.htm">What does 'God-shaped hole' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">The spirit of a man.--</span>That is, one properly so called, who draws his strength from God, will "sustain his infirmity," help him to bear up against trouble; "but a wounded spirit" (not one crushed with the sense of sin, for that God will lift up, <a href="/isaiah/66-2.htm" title="For all those things has my hand made, and all those things have been, said the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.">Isaiah 66:2</a>; <a href="/psalms/51-17.htm" title="The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.">Psalm 51:17</a>), which retires into itself and nurses its griefs, "who can bear" the wear of it?<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity.</span> That high property or faculty of man called "spirit" enables the body to bear up against trouble and sickness (comp. <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a>). The influence of the mind over the body, in a general sense, is here expressed. But taking "spirit" in the highest sense, in the trichotomy of human nature, we see an intimation that the grace of God, the supernatural infusion of his presence, is that which strengthens the man and makes him able to endure with patience. <span class="cmt_word">But a wounded</span> (<span class="accented">broken</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>spirit who can bear?</span> The body can, as it were, fall back upon the support of the spirit, when it is distressed and weakened; but when the spirit itself is broken, grieved, wearied, debilitated, it has no resource, no higher faculty to which it can appeal, and it must succumb beneath the pressure. Here is a lesson, too, concerning the treatment of others. We should be more careful not to wound a brother's spirit than we are to refrain from doing a bodily injury; the latter may be healed by medical applications; the former is more severe in its effects, and is often irremediable. In the first clause, <span class="hebrew">&#x5e8;&#x5d5;&#x5bc;&#x5b7;&#x5d7;</span> "spirit," is masculine, in the second it is feminine, intimating by the change of gender that in the former case it is a manly property, virile moral quality, in the latter it has become weakened and depressed through affliction. Septuagint, "A prudent servant soothes a man's wrath; but a man of faint heart (<span class="greek">&#x1f40;&#x3bb;&#x3b9;&#x3b3;&#x1f79;&#x3c8;&#x3c5;&#x3c7;&#x3bf;&#x3bd;</span>) who will endure?" The LXX. take "spirit" in the sense of anger, and "infirmity" as standing for a servant, though whore they find "prudent" is difficult to say. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Spiritum vero ad irascendum facilem, quis poterit sustinere</span>? The Latin interpreter takes one form of weakness of spirit, viz. irascibility, as his interpretation of <span class="hebrew">&#x5e0;&#x5db;&#x5d0;&#x5d4;</span>, "wounded." St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 5:78) has yet another version, "Who can dwell with a man whose spirit is ready to wrath?" adding, "For he that does not regulate his feelings by the reason that is proper to man, must needs live alone like a beast." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/18-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The spirit</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1512;&#1469;&#1493;&#1468;&#1495;&#1463;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(r&#363;&#183;a&#7717;-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a man</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1460;&#1453;&#1497;&#1513;&#1473;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#238;&#353;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can endure</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1499;&#1463;&#1500;&#1456;&#1499;&#1468;&#1461;&#1443;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#601;&#183;&#7733;al&#183;k&#234;l)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3557.htm">Strong's 3557: </a> </span><span class="str2">To keep in, to measure, to maintain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his sickness,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1463;&#1495;&#1458;&#1500;&#1461;&#1425;&#1492;&#1493;&#1468;</span> <span class="translit">(ma&#183;&#7717;a&#774;&#183;l&#234;&#183;h&#363;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sickness, disease</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but who</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1460;&#1443;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can survive</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1460;&#1513;&#1474;&#1468;&#1464;&#1488;&#1462;&#1469;&#1504;&#1468;&#1464;&#1492;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(yi&#347;&#183;&#347;&#257;&#183;&#8217;en&#183;n&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular &#124; third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a broken</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1504;&#1456;&#1437;&#1499;&#1461;&#1488;&#1464;&#1431;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(n&#601;&#183;&#7733;&#234;&#183;&#8217;&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5218.htm">Strong's 5218: </a> </span><span class="str2">Smitten, afflicted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spirit?</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1512;&#1445;&#1493;&#1468;&#1495;&#1463;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;r&#363;&#183;a&#7717;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/18-14.htm">Proverbs 18:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/18-14.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:14 A man's spirit will sustain him (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 18:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 18:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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