Proverbs 18:14 Meaning and Explanation
“The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A strong spirit can endure physical weakness, but a broken spirit destroys everything.
The Context of Proverbs 18:14
Inner strength matters more than physical strength; spiritual brokenness is the hardest burden.
What Does Proverbs 18:14 Mean?
The spirit of a man can sustain infirmity—a resolute, unbroken mind and will can carry a person through illness, pain, and physical limitation. Inner strength compensates for outer weakness; the spirit keeps the person alive and functioning.
But a wounded spirit is unbearable. When the inner person is damaged—broken by despair, grief, shame, or loss of hope—no physical strength can help. A shattered spirit cannot be sustained by anything else. This is the deepest fragility.
Proverbs 18:14 in the Original Language
spirit (רוּחַ, ruach), 'spirit' or 'breath' — the animating essence of a person, the seat of will and intention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 18:14
What does Proverbs 18:14 mean?
A strong spirit can endure physical weakness, but a broken spirit destroys everything.
What is the context of Proverbs 18:14?
Inner strength matters more than physical strength; spiritual brokenness is the hardest burden.