The 'spirit' here is the inner life — the deep place of courage, hope, and will. A person can endure great physical suffering when their spirit is strong. But when the spirit itself is wounded — crushed by despair, grief, betrayal, or guilt — there is almost nothing harder to bear. This proverb recognises the weight of inner suffering and calls us to care for the whole person, not just the body.
Memory phrase: Guard your inner spirit.
Talk about it: How can you help a friend whose heart is hurting?
Prayer: God, heal wounded spirits and give us inner strength.