Proverbs 12:25
Proverbs 12:25 in Multiple Translations
Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; But a good word maketh it glad.
Care in the heart of a man makes it weighted down, but a good word makes it glad.
If you're anxious, you're weighed down, but an encouraging word will cheer you up.
Heauines in the heart of man doeth bring it downe: but a good worde reioyceth it.
Sorrow in the heart of a man boweth down, And a good word maketh him glad.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
Heaviness in the heart of man depresseth it: but a good word maketh it glad.
Grief in the heart of a man shall bring him low, but with a good word he shall be made glad.
When people are anxious/worried, they become depressed/dejected, but when others speak kindly to them, it causes them to be cheerful again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 12:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דְּאָגָ֣ה
בְ/לֶב
אִ֣ישׁ
יַשְׁחֶ֑/נָּה
וְ/דָבָ֖ר
ט֣וֹב
יְשַׂמְּחֶֽ/נָּה
דְּאָגָ֣ה
dᵉʼâgâh
H1674
anxiety
N-fs
בְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
יַשְׁחֶ֑/נָּה
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/דָבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | N-ms
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
יְשַׂמְּחֶֽ/נָּה
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:25
דְּאָגָ֣ה
dᵉʼâgâh
H1674
"anxiety"
N-fs
This noun means anxiety or care, like feeling worried or concerned. It is used in the Bible to describe emotional burdens. The KJV translates it as care or sorrow.
Definition: anxiety, anxious care, care
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: care(-fulness), fear, heaviness, sorrow. See also: Joshua 22:24; Ezekiel 4:16; Proverbs 12:25.
בְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יַשְׁחֶ֑/נָּה
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
וְ/דָבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
יְשַׂמְּחֶֽ/נָּה
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:25
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
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.
26A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. 27A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:24 | Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:13 | A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:22 | A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. |
| 4 | Isaiah 50:4 | The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:23 | A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word! |
| 6 | Proverbs 12:18 | Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. |
| 7 | Zechariah 1:13 | So the LORD spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who was speaking with me. |
| 8 | Proverbs 27:9 | Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul. |
| 9 | Psalms 42:11 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. |
| 10 | Proverbs 18:14 | The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? |
Proverbs 12:25 Summary
[Proverbs 12:25 tells us that anxiety can be a heavy burden on our hearts, but it also gives us a solution: the power of a good word to lift our spirits and give us hope. This is because, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, encouraging words from others can help us feel less alone and more supported in our struggles. By turning to God's Word and to supportive friends and family, we can find the comfort and peace we need to overcome anxiety. As we trust in God's goodness and care, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11, we can experience the joy and freedom that comes from knowing we are not alone, and that He is always with us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anxiety, and how does it affect us according to Proverbs 12:25?
Anxiety is a state of worry or fear that weighs down our hearts, as seen in Proverbs 12:25, but we can find relief in the comfort of God's Word, as promised in Psalm 55:22 and Matthew 11:28.
How can a good word cheer up a person who is anxious?
A good word, such as an encouraging message from a friend or a promise from Scripture like Philippians 4:13, can lift our spirits and give us hope, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles, as seen in Hebrews 12:3.
Is anxiety a sin, or can it be a normal response to difficult circumstances?
While excessive worry can be sinful, as warned in Matthew 6:25-34, anxiety can also be a normal response to challenging situations, and Proverbs 12:25 acknowledges this reality, offering a solution in the form of uplifting words and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28.
How can we apply Proverbs 12:25 in our daily lives to overcome anxiety?
We can apply this verse by seeking out encouraging words from Scripture, such as Psalm 23, and from supportive friends and family, and by trusting in God's goodness and care for us, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11 and 1 Peter 5:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some common sources of anxiety in my life, and how can I apply the truth of Proverbs 12:25 to find relief?
- How can I be a source of encouragement and 'good words' to those around me who may be struggling with anxiety?
- What are some specific promises from Scripture that I can cling to when I am feeling anxious or overwhelmed?
- In what ways can I cultivate a habit of trusting in God's sovereignty and care, even in the midst of uncertain or difficult circumstances, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:25
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:25
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop (the it is feminine, though heart is masculine): but a good word maketh it glad.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
A compassionate or encouraging word from a friend or minister.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.Ver. 25. Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop.] Grief is like lead to the soul, - heavy and cold; it sinks downward, and carries the soul with it; Aιφαγαρενκακοτητιβροτοικαταγηρασκουσι. How decrepit was David grown with much grief at seventy years of age. The like we may say of Jacob, who "attained not to the days of the years of the life of his fathers," as being a man of many sorrows. And this, some think, was the reason that our Saviour Christ, at little past thirty, was reckoned to be toward fifty. He was "the man that had seen affliction by the rod of God’ s wrath." But a good word maketh it glad.] Such as was that of our Saviour to the poor paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee." The promises are called a "good word." So David found them; medicine for the soul - more truly so called than the library at Alexandria; cordials of comfort, "breasts of consolation"; "wells of salvation"; μαλακτικα miserarium, - as Plato said of wine and music; - that which mitigates man’ s miseries; and without which wine, music, merry company, &c., will prove but miserable comforters, and at the best, but the devil’ s anodynes. Homer, Odyss., i. Man’ s mind is like the stone Tyrrhenus, which, so long as it is whole, swimmeth, but being once broken sinketh. ητηςψυχηςιατρεια.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
(25) Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop.—But, as this is not favourable to the spiritual life, we have warnings against excessive anxiety (Matthew 6:34), and exhortations to cast all our care upon God (1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 37:5) as a religious duty, that trusting in Him, and so having from Him the “peace which the world cannot give,” our hearts may be “set to obey” His commandments.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
Verse 25. Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop] Sorrow of heart, hopeless love, or a sense of God's displeasure-these prostrate the man, and he becomes a child before them. But a good word maketh it glad.] A single good or favourable word will remove despondency; and that word, "Son, be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee," will instantly remove despair.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:25
25. In spite of grammatical anomalies, the rendering of this verse in A.V. and R.V. is to be retained.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:25
25. Heaviness in the heart — Trouble, anxiety, sorrow. Maketh it stoop — Bows it down, as if oppressed by a burden. A good word — A kind or cheering word.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Still, Small Voices by Carter Conlon | This 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 |
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Concern for Others by Warren Wiersbe | Warren 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 i |
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About Your Shadow by J.R. Miller | J.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 th |
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Kindness That Comes Too Late by J.R. Miller | J.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 w |
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Be an Encouragement by K.P. Yohannan | K.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 encounte |
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Worry by Harmon A. Baldwin | Harmon 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 me |
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The Power of a Kind Word by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary 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 |