Welcome to 'DRRIC Understandable Reflection'. Since November 2021, I have been writing weekly reflections in Dutch for my church and others who are interested in the Bible. These reflections are sent through a WhatsApp list and shared on my website.
Last week, I met someone who wanted to read these reflections in English. Because of this, I decided to start translating them so more people can read them. From now on, I will share them in English as well.
Would you like to receive these reflections on WhatsApp? Let me know, and I will add you to the list. Then you can read them anytime.
Please note: The reflections on this page change every week. Old ones are removed. May these words bless you, and may the Lord give you His grace and wisdom.
311 DRRIC A Biblical Message - Understandable Reflection
June 18, 2025
Proverbs 18:14-15
- The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?
- The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Reflection
Dear reader,
What great suffering has come upon us through our fall from God, who created us in His image. Our brokenness — even that of mind and soul — is not merely the result of circumstances, but of inherited lostness that affects us all. It can deeply impact you when you are in the midst of suffering, or when you stand beside someone burdened by depression, chronic sorrow, or mental exhaustion due to psychological or physical illness.
We read in Proverbs 18:14: “The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?”
This verse goes straight to the core of human existence. It confronts us with a truth that many recognize but cannot always express: physical pain is heavy, but inner brokenness can be unbearable. We all know people who remain strong despite physical illness, and others who mentally collapse without any visible injury. It raises the question: what truly keeps us going?
The spirit is the inner part of a person — the place where decisions are made, where trust dwells, and where resilience is formed. According to the wisdom of Proverbs, it is this spirit that determines whether someone can endure when the body suffers. The Proverb doesn’t point to outward strength, but to inner resilience. That is what carries a person through hard times — not muscle, but soul strength.
A broken spirit is not the same as sadness. It is a state of inner crushing, in which someone can no longer hold themselves together. The Proverb offers no simple solution but instead poses a sharp question: who can bear such a thing? The answer is left open, and in that openness we hear both the seriousness and the acknowledgment of suffering. In Proverbs, a broken spirit is seen as something that can even affect the body. It is no less heavy than physical pain, but often far less visible.
What this Proverb teaches us is that mental and spiritual health are not luxuries. They are the foundation of all resilience. In the world of Proverbs, wisdom is not theoretical, but practical life-wisdom: learning to live with insight into yourself, others, and life itself. Those who nourish their spirit with peace, righteousness, community, and simplicity build an inner strength that can endure. And those who are broken need people who will listen — not with quick solutions, but with gentleness.
We read in Proverbs 18:15: “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” In Solomon’s time, proverbs were not merely sources of information, but a way of living in accordance with God's truth. This is only possible because the Spirit works in the hearts of people. Therefore, it is essential to seek the beginning of true wisdom: the fear of the LORD. For those who, in their suffering, long for wisdom will listen to God's Word — not to escape suffering, but to be led through it.
Perhaps you are weary. Perhaps your spirit is broken. Then this Proverb does not call you to perform, but to listen — to what still softly speaks within you, to wisdom that does not shout, but whispers. Christ, who Himself bore the ultimate suffering, invites you to find rest in Him. He bore suffering not merely as an example, but as a sacrifice — so that not only our pain, but also our sins might be reconciled. That is why true comfort is rooted in the forgiveness of sins. This gift is found only in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Prayer
LORD our God. We come to You with broken hearts and searching spirits. In our suffering, we often feel the weight of pain, but we thank You that we can find strength in You. Give us hearts that seek Your wisdom, ears that listen to You even in the hardest moments. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, embrace and restore us. We pray for those who suffer, for those whose spirit is broken. Come with Your healing and comfort. May Your nearness encourage us and grant us a spirit that can endure suffering.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.