Proverbs 19:24

¶ A slothful [man] hideth his hand in [his] bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

A slothful {H6102} man hideth {H2934} his hand {H3027} in his bosom {H6747}, and will not so much as bring {H7725} it to his mouth {H6310} again {H7725}.

The lazy person buries his hand in the dish but doesn't even bother to bring it to his mouth.

The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:24 (KJV)

Proverbs 19:24 paints a vivid, almost absurd, picture of extreme laziness, highlighting a profound lack of initiative and self-care. It serves as a stark warning against the dangers of idleness.

Context

The book of Proverbs, primarily authored by King Solomon, is a collection of wisdom sayings designed to impart practical instruction for righteous living. Throughout the book, diligence is praised, and laziness is condemned as a path to poverty, ruin, and foolishness. This verse fits seamlessly into that recurring theme, using hyperbole to emphasize the severity of slothfulness.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Sloth: The central theme is an almost unbelievable level of laziness. The "slothful man" is so inert that he cannot even perform the most basic act of self-sustenance – bringing food from his lap to his mouth. This is a hyperbolic image designed to shock and instruct.
  • Self-Inflicted Harm: Such profound idleness inevitably leads to neglect, want, and a complete inability to provide for oneself. The verse implies a state of helplessness brought on by one's own inaction.
  • Lack of Basic Responsibility: It underscores a total dereliction of personal responsibility, even for fundamental needs.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "slothful" is 'atsel (עָצֵל), which describes someone who is sluggish, idle, or lazy. The phrase "hideth his hand in his bosom" depicts a person whose hands are inactive, perhaps resting comfortably in their lap or within the folds of their garment. The hyperbole lies in the subsequent part: "and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again." This extreme imagery emphasizes that the sloth is not just a lack of productive work, but a complete paralysis even concerning personal survival. A very similar proverb is found in Proverbs 26:15, suggesting a common and potent piece of wisdom.

Practical Application

This proverb serves as a powerful cautionary tale for all ages. It challenges us to reflect on our own diligence, not just in professional work, but in all areas of life:

  • Work Ethic: It calls believers to embrace a strong work ethic, understanding that God values diligence and productivity. The Bible teaches that "if any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
  • Personal Responsibility: It encourages taking responsibility for one's own well-being and not succumbing to apathy or dependence that stems from a lack of effort.
  • Spiritual Diligence: Beyond physical tasks, this verse can also metaphorically apply to spiritual laziness – a reluctance to engage with God's Word, prayer, or service, which can lead to spiritual stagnation. Just as physical sloth leads to want, spiritual sloth can lead to a lack of spiritual nourishment and growth.

Ultimately, Proverbs 19:24 warns against the destructive nature of extreme idleness, urging us to be proactive, responsible, and diligent in all aspects of life, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of self-neglect and unfulfilled potential, as also seen in the warning about the field of the sluggard in Proverbs 24:30-34.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 15:19

    ¶ The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain.

  • Proverbs 6:9

    How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

  • Proverbs 6:10

    [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

  • Proverbs 24:30

    ¶ I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

  • Proverbs 24:34

    So shall thy poverty come [as] one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

  • Proverbs 26:13

    ¶ The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.

  • Proverbs 26:16

    ¶ The sluggard [is] wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
← Back