Proverbs 12:25 Meaning of Anxiety Weighs down the Heart

Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”

Explanation and Commentary of Proverbs 12:25

Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble, but that he has overcome the world (Jn 16:33). This should be the way to a peaceful and tranquil heart, but the fact is, in our flesh, we can sometimes lose sight of the gospel and our feelings will betray some of our fears. When anxiety creeps up on us, the heart can become heavy with it. This happens when something lodges somewhere in our minds and won’t stop nagging about the possible negative outcome that looms. Try as we might to forget it, it is like we cannot control it. Satan works on this level, whispering in our ears to keep us focused on the possibility of disaster that awaits if things go as badly as they could. This is what “weighs down the heart.” It colors every other thought and action until we can get rid of it by solving the problem, or trusting God with the outcome.

Because so much of the time the anxiety is tied to feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, and even shame for the situation we are in, a “kind word” is often just the thing that can cheer up the heart. “You can do it,” or “it’ll be ok,” are a good place to start, but the kindest word to cheer up an anxious person can be found in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The Word of God is the true source of peace, and prayer is the truest way to deal with a problem. If you are anxious, consider this a kind word to you. If you know someone who is anxious, be a source of encouragement to them and you will do much good in the name of Jesus.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Proverbs 12:25

#1 “Anxiety…”
Anxiety is a feeling of fear about a possible outcome.

#2 “…weighs down the heart,”
In this usage, the “heart” is the seat of the soul or the self. A person is weighed down with worry when their heart is.

#3 “but a kind word cheers it up.”
There is great power in kindness. Words have the power to destroy and the power to build up. Biblical truth from the Word of God is the most helpful and the most powerful kind of word one can speak to a brother or sister in the grip of anxiety.

Expert Overview of Proverbs

Biblical Translations of Proverbs 12:25

NIV
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

NLT
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

ESV
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

KJV
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

NKJV
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.