- Home
- Bible
- Proverbs
- Chapter 12
- Verse 12
Proverbs 12:25
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
25 Trouble in the heart of a man boweth it down, And a friendly word maketh it glad. The twofold anomaly that דּאגה is construed as masc. and לב as fem. renders the text doubtful, but the lxx, Syr., Targum, which introduce another subject, φοβερὸς λόγος (דּבר מדאיג?), do not improve it; Theodotion's is preferable, who translates μέριμνα ἐν καρδίᾳ ἀνδρὸς κατίσχει αὐτόν, and thus reads ישׁחנּוּ. But the rhyme is thereby lost. As כּבוד, Gen 49:6, so also may לב be used as fem., for one thereby thinks on נפשׁ; the plur. לבּות (לבבות), according to which in Eze 16:30 we find the sing. לבּה, may also conform to this. And ישׁחנה as pred. to דאגה follows the scheme Pro 2:10, perhaps not without attractional co-operation after the scheme קשׁת גברים חתים, Sa1 2:4. השׁחה, from שׁחה, occurs only here; but השׁח, from שׁחח, occurs only twice. דּבר טוב designates in the book of Joshua and in Kings (Kg1 8:56) the divine promise; here it is of the same meaning as Kg1 12:7 : an appeasing word. Who has not in himself had this experience, how such a word of friendly encouragement from a sympathizing heart cheers the sorrowful soul, and, if only for a time, changes its sorrow into the joy of confidence and of hope!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a good word--one of comfort.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop,.... Either an anxious care and solicitude about living in the world, as the word (m) signifies; when it seizes a man's spirits, it depresses them, and keeps them down: or a fear and dread of adversity, or sorrow and grief, on account of some calamity and distress; when it gets into a man's heart, it sinks and bows it down, that it cannot take any pleasure or comfort in anything. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, a "terrible word troubles the heart of a just man"; or "troubles the heart of man", as the Syriac version; the Targum is, "a word of fear in the heart of man causes fear:'' such is the law, which is a word of terror; which speaks terrible things to men; fills the mind with terror; works wrath in the conscience, and induces a spirit of bondage to fear; bows and keeps under the spirits of men, through a fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation; but a good word maketh it glad; a comforting, cheering, and encouraging word from any friend, that compassionates their distressed case; this lifts up the heart and inspires it with joy; so a word in season, spoken by a Gospel minister, raises up a soul that is bowed down, and gives it comfort and joy: such a good word is the Gospel itself; it is good news from a far country, which is like cold water to a thirsty soul, very refreshing and reviving. The Septuagint and Arabic versions here render it, "a good message", and such the Gospel is; which, when brought to the heart of a poor sinner, depressed with the terrors of the law, causes joy in it; such is the word of peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life by Christ; such is the word that he himself spoke, Mat 9:2. Kimchi instances in Psa 55:22. (m) "solicitudo", Tigurine version, Montanus, Piscator, Michaelis; "solicitudo anxia", Mercerus, Gejerus; "solicita anxietas", Junius & Tremellius; "anxietatem", Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The cause and consequence of melancholy. It is heaviness in the heart; it is a load of care, and fear, and sorrow, upon the spirits, depressing them, and disabling them to exert themselves with any vigour on what is to be done or fortitude in what is to borne; it makes them stoop, prostrates and sinks them. Those that are thus oppressed can neither do the duty nor take the comfort of any relation, condition, or conversation. Those therefore that are inclined to it should watch and pray against it. 2. The cure of it: A good word from God, applied by faith, makes it glad; such a word is that (says one of the rabbin), Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; the good word of God, particularly the gospel, is designed to make the hearts glad that are weary and heavy-laden, Mat 11:28. Ministers are to be helpers of this joy.
Proverbs 12:25
Loving Discipline and Knowledge
24The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. 25Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Still, Small Voices
By Carter Conlon83536:421KI 19:11PSA 46:10PRO 12:25PRO 15:23ISA 30:15ISA 41:10MAL 3:16LUK 2:10PHP 4:7COL 3:16This sermon from 1 Kings chapter 19 titled 'Still Small Voices' emphasizes the power of a small, still voice of God in times of discouragement and spiritual conflict. It highlights the need for believers to find strength and encouragement in God's quiet confidence, even amidst societal chaos and opposition. The message urges listeners to be ambassadors of God's power through speaking words of hope, peace, and faith to one another, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
The Duty of Encouragement
By J.R. Miller0HopeEncouragementPRO 12:25ROM 15:5EPH 4:291TH 5:11HEB 3:13J.R. Miller emphasizes the vital duty of encouragement in his sermon, highlighting that many people face hidden struggles and despair in their lives. He urges listeners to cultivate the habit of offering cheer and support, as discouraging words can have devastating effects on those already burdened by life's challenges. Miller warns against the tendency of leaders to focus on hardships rather than inspiring hope, advocating for a more uplifting approach in all interactions. He illustrates the transformative power of encouragement through various examples, stressing that a single word of cheer can change the course of someone's day or even life. Ultimately, he calls on everyone to be a source of light and hope, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive despite their struggles.
About Your Shadow
By J.R. Miller0InfluenceHealing PresencePRO 12:25MAT 5:16JHN 13:34ACT 5:15ROM 15:12CO 1:4GAL 6:2PHP 2:41TH 5:11HEB 10:24J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of the shadows we cast in our lives, drawing inspiration from the healing power of Peter's shadow in the New Testament. He illustrates that while we may not perform miracles, our presence can either uplift or burden those around us. Miller encourages Christians to be mindful of the influence they have, advocating for a 'rainbow shadow' that brings light, hope, and healing to others. He warns against the tendency to deepen others' sorrows and stresses the importance of embodying Christ's love and victorious spirit to inspire and comfort those in need. Ultimately, he calls for a selfless approach to relationships, where our interactions leave a positive mark on others.
Worry
By Harmon A. Baldwin0PSA 55:22PSA 94:19PRO 12:25ISA 41:10MAT 6:34MAT 11:28JHN 14:272CO 1:3PHP 4:61PE 5:7Harmon A. Baldwin delves into the topic of worry and holiness, exploring the ambiguity of whether worry is consistent with the experience of holiness. He discusses the different meanings of 'consistent' and 'worry,' emphasizing that while some holy individuals may experience worry at times, it is not ideal for a person of holiness to worry. Baldwin examines the definition of worry, highlighting that certain worries may stem from physical or mental conditions rather than a lack of holiness. He ultimately stresses the importance of faith and trust in God amidst life's burdens and challenges.
Sin of Worry
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 37:1PRO 12:25MAT 6:25MAT 11:28PHP 4:61PE 5:7Charles E. Cowman preaches on the Divine command to 'Fret not' as stated in Psalms 37:1, emphasizing the harmful effects of fretting on oneself and others. Fretting is described as being in a state of vexation, which is not only injurious to one's health but also goes against God's desire for us to avoid hurting ourselves. The sermon highlights the importance of obedience to this command to maintain a healthy body and spirit, contrasting the peace of those who trust in a Heavenly Father's care with the anxiety of those who do not.
Concern for Others
By Warren Wiersbe0PRO 12:25JHN 8:32EPH 4:15PHP 2:31TH 5:21Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of seeking and facing the truth, even when it may be uncomfortable or burdensome, as ignorance can lead to harm. He contrasts the idea of ignorance and confidence leading to success with the reality that ignorance can indeed be detrimental. Wiersbe highlights the caring heart of Nehemiah, who sought the truth about Jerusalem despite the potential pain of the facts. The sermon challenges listeners to be like Nehemiah, genuinely concerned about others and willing to seek and acknowledge the truth, even in difficult situations.
The Power of a Kind Word
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PRO 12:25PRO 16:24ECC 10:12EPH 4:29COL 4:6Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the power of kind words, emphasizing how they can uplift and bring joy to others, contrasting heaviness in the heart with the gladness that good words can bring. She highlights the rarity of consistently speaking kind words in a world filled with sharpness and bitterness, pointing out that with the help of grace, forming a habit of kindness is achievable and long-lasting. Tileston encourages aligning oneself with the image of Christ Jesus as a source of sweetness that naturally flows to those around us.
Be an Encouragement
By K.P. Yohannan0KindnessEncouragementPRO 12:25MAT 7:12LUK 6:38ROM 15:2GAL 6:2EPH 4:29PHP 2:4COL 3:121TH 5:11HEB 10:24K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the vital role of encouragement in our daily lives, urging us to spread love and kindness starting from our own homes and extending to everyone we encounter. He highlights that simple gestures, like a smile or a kind word, can significantly uplift those around us, countering our natural tendency towards self-centeredness. By encouraging others, we not only fulfill a Christian duty but also create a cycle of positivity that returns to us. Yohannan shares inspiring stories of individuals whose success was fueled by encouragement, reminding us that we all have the power to uplift others. Ultimately, he calls us to actively seek opportunities to encourage and support those in our lives, reflecting Christ's love and compassion.
Kindness That Comes Too Late
By J.R. Miller0KindnessAppreciation in LifePRO 12:25ECC 3:1ROM 12:10GAL 6:2EPH 4:32COL 3:121TH 5:11HEB 3:13JAS 1:191PE 4:10J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of expressing kindness and appreciation to the living rather than waiting until after death, using the example of a woman who anointed Jesus with perfume while he was alive. He reflects on how often kind words and gestures are reserved for funerals, where they lose their impact and meaning for the deceased. Miller urges listeners to break open their 'alabaster boxes' of love and gratitude now, to uplift those who are weary and struggling in life. He highlights that true kindness should be shared while people can still feel its warmth, rather than being wasted on the dead. Ultimately, he calls for a shift in how we express our affection, advocating for a life filled with encouragement and support for one another.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
25 Trouble in the heart of a man boweth it down, And a friendly word maketh it glad. The twofold anomaly that דּאגה is construed as masc. and לב as fem. renders the text doubtful, but the lxx, Syr., Targum, which introduce another subject, φοβερὸς λόγος (דּבר מדאיג?), do not improve it; Theodotion's is preferable, who translates μέριμνα ἐν καρδίᾳ ἀνδρὸς κατίσχει αὐτόν, and thus reads ישׁחנּוּ. But the rhyme is thereby lost. As כּבוד, Gen 49:6, so also may לב be used as fem., for one thereby thinks on נפשׁ; the plur. לבּות (לבבות), according to which in Eze 16:30 we find the sing. לבּה, may also conform to this. And ישׁחנה as pred. to דאגה follows the scheme Pro 2:10, perhaps not without attractional co-operation after the scheme קשׁת גברים חתים, Sa1 2:4. השׁחה, from שׁחה, occurs only here; but השׁח, from שׁחח, occurs only twice. דּבר טוב designates in the book of Joshua and in Kings (Kg1 8:56) the divine promise; here it is of the same meaning as Kg1 12:7 : an appeasing word. Who has not in himself had this experience, how such a word of friendly encouragement from a sympathizing heart cheers the sorrowful soul, and, if only for a time, changes its sorrow into the joy of confidence and of hope!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a good word--one of comfort.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop,.... Either an anxious care and solicitude about living in the world, as the word (m) signifies; when it seizes a man's spirits, it depresses them, and keeps them down: or a fear and dread of adversity, or sorrow and grief, on account of some calamity and distress; when it gets into a man's heart, it sinks and bows it down, that it cannot take any pleasure or comfort in anything. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, a "terrible word troubles the heart of a just man"; or "troubles the heart of man", as the Syriac version; the Targum is, "a word of fear in the heart of man causes fear:'' such is the law, which is a word of terror; which speaks terrible things to men; fills the mind with terror; works wrath in the conscience, and induces a spirit of bondage to fear; bows and keeps under the spirits of men, through a fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation; but a good word maketh it glad; a comforting, cheering, and encouraging word from any friend, that compassionates their distressed case; this lifts up the heart and inspires it with joy; so a word in season, spoken by a Gospel minister, raises up a soul that is bowed down, and gives it comfort and joy: such a good word is the Gospel itself; it is good news from a far country, which is like cold water to a thirsty soul, very refreshing and reviving. The Septuagint and Arabic versions here render it, "a good message", and such the Gospel is; which, when brought to the heart of a poor sinner, depressed with the terrors of the law, causes joy in it; such is the word of peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life by Christ; such is the word that he himself spoke, Mat 9:2. Kimchi instances in Psa 55:22. (m) "solicitudo", Tigurine version, Montanus, Piscator, Michaelis; "solicitudo anxia", Mercerus, Gejerus; "solicita anxietas", Junius & Tremellius; "anxietatem", Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The cause and consequence of melancholy. It is heaviness in the heart; it is a load of care, and fear, and sorrow, upon the spirits, depressing them, and disabling them to exert themselves with any vigour on what is to be done or fortitude in what is to borne; it makes them stoop, prostrates and sinks them. Those that are thus oppressed can neither do the duty nor take the comfort of any relation, condition, or conversation. Those therefore that are inclined to it should watch and pray against it. 2. The cure of it: A good word from God, applied by faith, makes it glad; such a word is that (says one of the rabbin), Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; the good word of God, particularly the gospel, is designed to make the hearts glad that are weary and heavy-laden, Mat 11:28. Ministers are to be helpers of this joy.