Proverbs 12:25

Proverbs 12:24–28

The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad. A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized. In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.

Context note · editorial

The proverb recognizes anxiety's weight and the lifting effect of a good word. Thoughtful encouragement matters, even when it cannot solve every underlying difficulty.