Sayings

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

This page is about the saying "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak"

Possible meaning:
Even though we may want to say "No" to temptation (doing something bad), our body may be unable to resist it.

Origin: This proverb is based on a verse in the Bible (Matthew 26:41): "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak."

spirit (noun): the non-physical part of a person (including emotions and character); the soul
willing (adj.): ready or happy to do something
flesh (noun): the physical part of a person; the body; the outer surface of the body

Quick Quiz

In the proverb "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak", the word "flesh" refers to our

a. skin

b. physical body

c. mind
a) skin b) physical body c) mind
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

See Saying of the Day today

Contributor: Josef Essberger