Daily Devotional – Tuesday, June 9, 2026
The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?
Proverbs 18:14 (NKJV)
Two patients occupied neighbouring beds in a hospital ward. Both were seriously ill. One spoke often about going home. He smiled when family came to visit and was grateful to the nurses. Moreover, he found reasons to be hopeful even on the hard days. The other seemed to have given up. He rarely spoke, expected bad news, and withdrew from those around him. Their illnesses were similar, yet they carried them very differently. Solomon observed this same reality centuries ago and captured it in a memorable proverb.
The Condition Behind the Condition
When Solomon speaks about a person’s spirit, he is referring to the inner person. He’s talking about the strength, hope, and resilience that get a person through when life is tough. A strong spirit can’t cure every disease or solve every problem, but it can make a tremendous difference. It helps a person endure pain, face uncertainty, and keep believing that tomorrow may hold something better.
You probably have met people like that. They have walked through illness, loss, or disappointment, yet somehow, they continue encouraging others. Their strength is not loud or dramatic. It shows up in quiet ways. They keep praying and trusting. They also continue to move forward. You may leave their presence wondering who was helping whom. Their spirit sustains them when circumstances suggest they should have collapsed.
What Happens When Hope Leaves?
Then comes the second half of the proverb. “Who can bear a broken spirit?” A broken spirit is more than a difficult day or a passing sadness. It is the crushing weight of hopelessness. It is the feeling that nothing will change and nothing is worth trying. The emphasis here is that emotional hurts and physical wounds have the same severe impacts on a person.
This is why we need the Lord desperately. He knows how easily discouragement can settle into the human heart. He also knows how to restore hope. If your spirit feels weary today, bring it to Him. God is near to those who are hurting. He is ready to impart new energy into you.
Prayer
Almighty God, whenever I feel despondent and about to give up, infuse me with strength and hope to face my challenges.
