Proverbs 18:14-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 18:14

Note, 1. Outward grievances are tolerable as long as the mind enjoys itself and is at ease. Many infirmities, many calamities, we are liable to in this world, in body, name, and estate, which a man may bear, and bear up under, if he have but good conduct and courage, and be able to act with reason and resolution, especially if he have a good conscience, and the testimony of that be for him; and, if the spirit of a man will sustain the infirmity, much more will the spirit of a Christian, or... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 18:15

Note, 1. Those that are prudent will seek knowledge, and apply their ear and heart to the pursuit of it, their ear to attend to the means of knowledge and their heart to mix faith with what they hear and make a good improvement of it. Those that are prudent do not think they have prudence enough, but still see they have need of more; and the more prudent a man is the more inquisitive will he be after knowledge, the knowledge of God and his duty, and the way to heaven, for that is the best... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:14

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity ,.... The spirit of a mighty man, as Jarchi; a man of spirit, that has a spirit of fortitude, even of natural fortitude, and especially of Christian fortitude; that has a spirit of might upon him, of power, and sound mind; a man of a Christian spirit, that is renewed in the spirit of his mind; who is a spiritual man, and has the Spirit of God in him, as well as a rational soul, an immaterial, immortal, and never dying substance. Such a man will... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:15

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge ,.... More knowledge; for he must have some, and a considerable share, to be denominated "prudent", whether in things natural, civil, or spiritual: and such will be heartily desirous of more, and make use of all means to attain it, by which they do come at a large share of it; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge ; a wise man seeks to get it by hearing; he listens to what others say, and especially such that are wiser and more knowing than... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 18:14

The spirit of a man will sustain - A man sustains the ills of his body, and the trials of life, by the strength and energy of his mind. But if the mind be scoundrel, if this be cast down, if slow-consuming care and grief have shot the dagger into the soul, what can then sustain the man? Nothing but the unseen God. Therefore, let the afflicted pray. A man's own spirit has, in general, sufficient fortitude to bear up under the unavoidable trials of life; but when the conscience is wounded by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:10-16

Some conditions of weal and woe I. CONSTITUTIONS OF LIFE WEAL . 1 . First and foremost, religion ( Proverbs 18:10 ) and humility ( Proverbs 18:12 ). The Name of Jehovah stands for all that God is (the "I am"). Trust in the Eternal is the real ground of confidence for a creature so transient and frail as man. To put the same truth in another way, it is religious principle which can alone sustain the soul calm and erect amidst distress. And with true religion is ever... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:14

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity. That high property or faculty of man called "spirit" enables the body to bear up against trouble and sickness (comp. Proverbs 17:22 ). 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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:14

Strong in spirit This thought is near akin to that of Proverbs 17:22 , where the medicinal properties of a merry heart are commended. But there is some difference between the two. Both ascribe vital energy to the inner life, and commend such a cultivation of it as shall conquer weakness and suffering; but the verse now before us treats of vigour of spirit, while the earlier passage commends cheerfulness. I. A MAN 'S TRUE STRENGTH RESIDES IN HIS INNER LIFE . Samson... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:14

The wounded spirit How much is a man better than a sheep? By the whole range of his spiritual nature. The joys and sorrows of a man are those of his spirit; yet no inconsiderable proportion of his experiences come to him through the flesh. The text tells us— I. THAT THE CONQUERING SPIRIT WITHIN US TRIUMPHS OVER THE BODILY INFIRMITY . There have been times when, and people by whom, the very worst bodily afflictions have been borne with lofty indifference or with... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:15

The first clause is similar to Proverbs 15:14 ; the second gives a kind of explanation of the former—the understanding of the wise man is always expanding and increasing its stores, because his ear is open to instruction, and his ability grows by wholesome exercise (comp. Proverbs 1:5 ). Daath, "knowledge," which is used in both clauses, the LXX . translates by two words, αἴσθησιν and ἔννοιαν . read more

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