Proverbs 12:25
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
Original Language Analysis
בְלֶב
in the heart
H3820
בְלֶב
in the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אִ֣ישׁ
of man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
of man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יַשְׁחֶ֑נָּה
maketh it stoop
H7812
יַשְׁחֶ֑נָּה
maketh it stoop
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
4 of 7
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
וְדָבָ֖ר
word
H1697
וְדָבָ֖ר
word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.Proverbs 15:13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.Proverbs 17:22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.Proverbs 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.Proverbs 27:9Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.Zechariah 1:13And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.Psalms 42:11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.Proverbs 18:14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Historical Context
In communities facing war, famine, and constant threats, anxiety was pervasive. Wise encouragers spoke God's promises, lifting others' spirits with truth.
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your life needs a good word from you to lift their heavy heart?
- How can you speak gospel truth that genuinely encourages the anxious?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Anxiety burdens the heart, but encouraging words lift it. This psychological insight shows wisdom's pastoral dimension—believers are called to bear one another's burdens through hopeful, grace-filled speech. Good words apply gospel comfort to anxious hearts.