Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:25
The Burden Of Anxiety
According to the World Health Organization, globally, more than 322 million people suffer from depression and 264 million from anxiety disorders. But you do not have to be part of the statistics. Let us look at how to overcome them based on the word of God. Anxiety is common to the strong and the weak, the poor and the rich. It is not partial to colour, nationality, religion or gender. Whether it is a result of exams, waiting for a lab test, retrenchment, a pandemic, preparing for a job interview, overdue bills or whatever the source might be, we all feel its weight. Anxiety in a man’s heart causes depression.
When depression kicks in, we easily forget the promises of God in the scripture. Our insatiable cravings and greed take over and compare our lives, and “stuff” with what everybody else has. This covetousness rarely leads to repentance but instead to greater depths of greed and self-degradation for our seemingly meagre accomplishments. In that time, we do not understand that God calls us to seek first His righteousness and His kingdom, but it feels hard to do (Matthew 6:33). Many who have lost their lives as a result of depression face an inner struggle of who will seek to fulfil their needs if they seek the work of God and His kingdom.
The Good Word
The more we have, the more we want. The greater a country develops, the more money is in the citizen’s pockets. The average American spends over 5000$ on health insurance alone per year (Leonhardt, 2019). It is also directly proportional to how much is minted through anxiety. Today, insurance premiums are on everything, from mobile phones, houses, jobs, school fees to people’s lives. Unfortunately, no matter how well-insured people are, the burden of anxiety is still present. This is when we must remember the good words of Jesus. To trust him with all that we have. “Come unto me, all you that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28).
And this is the main point gathered from the proverb. A good word can make the anxious heart glad. Firstly, this word has to be from God. There are, in fact, a lot of promises for those suffering from anxiety or depression. This is the only lasting medicine that can heal our souls. The scriptures explain that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). A good word from God is able to counter every anxious heart. Jesus also introduces himself as one who came for the downtrodden (Luke 4:18)
Healing Tongues
Secondly, the good word should be from a concerned friend or loved one. Throughout Proverbs, we are reminded to use our tongues for healing purposes. Our relationships are full of people who need encouragement. No matter how poor or imperfect they appear, we should always look for something to commend. All around us are many discouraged people, perhaps even in our homes. Let us look for ways to give them the encouragement they need. Here are some of God’s words to you today: Your sin is paid for; Christ is in control yesterday, today and tomorrow. Be sure to pass kind words on to others. You are the miracle they are praying for.
King James Version (KJV)
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
New International Version (NIV)
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.”
New American Bible (NASB)
“Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
The Living Bible (TLB)
“Anxious hearts are very heavy, but a word of encouragement does wonders!”