Proverbs 18:14-16 (ESV)
14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.
Wise thinking allows the human spirit to endure sickness, but there isn’t much hope for the spiritually depressed. When the inner man is beaten down by discouragement, the soul tends to give up. We must pursue knowledge. We can’t wait for wisdom to come to us, but must seek after her, putting her instruction into practice. Though a gift may provide access to someone greater in social standing, the righteous should avoid bribes as they ultimately pervert justice. Many great men and women have faced spiritual depression. It is a tool of the enemy to overwhelm the soul, keeping the Christian from the joy and hope that is her rightful inheritance. If you feel broken today, remember that none of us wrestles merely against flesh and blood. Ask the Lord to help you focus on what is true, and find a godly friend who will help you get back into the battle.