Proverbs 26:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The slothful {H6102} man saith {H559}, There is a lion {H7826} in the way {H1870}; a lion {H738} is in the streets {H7339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The lazy person says, "There's a lion in the streets! A lion is roaming loose out there!"

Berean Standard Bible

The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”

American Standard Version

The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:13 masterfully employs hyperbole to satirize the indolent individual who invents exaggerated, often imaginary, obstacles—likening them to dangerous lions in public thoroughfares—as a convenient and self-deceptive excuse to avoid work, responsibility, or any form of diligent effort, thereby justifying their inaction and perpetuating their idleness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26:13 is situated within a broader collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 25-29), specifically compiled and transmitted by the men of Hezekiah. This section of the book frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, diligence with laziness, and righteousness with wickedness, often through vivid imagery and sharp critiques. Within this literary framework, the verse serves as a pointed, satirical exposé of the sluggard's deceptive nature, frequently appearing alongside other proverbs that highlight the dire consequences of idleness and the profound virtues of hard work. For example, it resonates with the admonition to "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" found in [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard"). The deliberate repetition of the "lion" imagery within the single verse underscores the sheer absurdity and stubbornness of the slothful man's fabricated excuse, emphasizing his deep-seated resistance to any form of productive activity or engagement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, lions were indeed a real and formidable threat, particularly in wilderness areas and sometimes encroaching upon settled lands, posing dangers to shepherds, travelers, and even villagers. However, the specific imagery of a lion "in the way" or "in the streets" (public thoroughfares or broad places within a city) would have been highly unusual and immediately recognizable as a clear exaggeration. While a lion might occasionally wander near the outskirts of a settlement, its presence in the main streets would be an extraordinary and paralyzing event. This cultural understanding of lions as dangerous predators, coupled with the unlikelihood of them roaming freely in urban centers, makes the slothful man's excuse transparently absurd to the original audience. It highlights a society where diligence and active participation were often necessary for survival, prosperity, and community well-being, and where idleness frequently led to poverty and ruin, as vividly depicted in the parable of the sluggard's field in [Proverbs 24:30-34](/proverbs/24-30-34 "Proverbs 24:30-34 - The Field of the Sluggard").
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent in the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it profoundly explores **The Deceptive Nature of Sloth and its Rationalizations**: The verse reveals that laziness is not merely a passive absence of activity but an active, deceptive mindset that fabricates reasons for inaction. The "lion" represents the internal obstacles and rationalizations that the slothful mind conjures to avoid effort. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Exaggerated Excuses and Self-Deception**: The sluggard's excuse is not based on objective reality but on a distorted perception designed solely to justify his inertia. This points to a deeper issue of self-deception, where one convinces oneself of insurmountable difficulties to avoid responsibility, rather than confronting the actual, often minor, challenges. Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes the **Value of Diligence, Courage, and Responsibility**: By sharply critiquing sloth and its cowardly avoidance tactics, the proverb implicitly champions the virtues of diligence, courage in the face of perceived challenges, and a proactive approach to life's duties. It contrasts the sluggard's paralysis with the active pursuit of wisdom and righteous living, a recurring call throughout the wisdom literature, as seen in the promise that "The hand of the diligent makes rich" in [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slothful (Hebrew, _ʻâtsêl'_):** From the root עָצַל, this term denotes someone who is indolent, sluggish, or idle. It describes a character trait marked by an unwillingness to exert effort, a preference for inactivity, and a general aversion to work or responsibility. It implies a disposition of mind and spirit that resists engagement and productivity, rather than merely physical rest.
* **Saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root with broad meaning, encompassing "to say," "to declare," "to speak," or "to utter." In this context, it highlights the verbalization of the excuse, emphasizing that the slothful man actively articulates his fabricated barrier. This is not a silent thought but a conscious and deliberate act of justification for his inaction, often intended to persuade others or himself.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** Derived from דָּרַךְ, meaning "to tread," this word refers to a road, path, or journey. Figuratively, it can represent a course of life or a mode of action. Here, it signifies the literal path or journey that the slothful man is unwilling to take, highlighting his avoidance of the practical steps required for any task or responsibility. The "way" is the very trajectory of activity he is called to pursue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The slothful man saith,"**: This opening clause immediately identifies the subject and his characteristic action. The "slothful man" is not merely someone who is tired or resting, but one whose very disposition is characterized by an ingrained idleness and aversion to effort. His "saying" indicates a vocalization, a public or internal declaration of his justification for inaction, rather than a silent thought, emphasizing the deliberate nature of his excuse-making.
* **"There is a lion in the way;"**: This is the first part of the slothful man's hyperbolic excuse. The "lion" represents a formidable, life-threatening, and seemingly insurmountable obstacle. The phrase "in the way" suggests an impediment directly on the path he is supposed to take, making any progress seem impossible or too dangerous. This is presented as an absolute, undeniable truth by the sluggard, though it is a complete fabrication of his own mind.
* **"a lion is in the streets."**: This second clause intensifies and reiterates the hyperbolic excuse. "Streets" (Hebrew: _rᵉchôb_, referring to public thoroughfares or broad places) implies an even more unlikely and widespread threat, suggesting that the danger is not just on a specific path but pervasive in all public spaces. The repetition and the shift from a singular "way" to the broader "streets" underscore the absurdity, persistence, and pervasive nature of the imagined obstacles in the sluggard's mind, effectively paralyzing him from any action whatsoever.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 26:13 is primarily characterized by **Hyperbole**, which is the deliberate exaggeration of a statement for emphasis or effect. The image of a "lion in the way" and "a lion in the streets" is an intentional and absurd overstatement, as lions were not typically found roaming freely in populated urban areas. This exaggeration serves to satirize the flimsy, often ridiculous, and self-deceptive excuses that a lazy person invents to avoid work or responsibility. The vivid **Imagery** immediately conjures a sense of insurmountable danger, making the slothful man's fear seem legitimate at first glance, yet simultaneously revealing its transparent absurdity to the discerning reader. The verse also employs **Repetition** ("a lion... a lion") which emphasizes the pervasive nature of the imagined threat in the sluggard's mind, reinforcing his paralysis and highlighting the stubborn, almost obsessive, quality of his excuse-making.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of Proverbs 26:13 extend far beyond a simple critique of work ethic, touching upon the very nature of human responsibility, stewardship, and the character of God. God, as the ultimate Creator, is consistently depicted throughout Scripture as a diligent worker who brought order out of chaos and then rested, as seen in [Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests After Creation"). Humanity, created in His image, is called to emulate this divine diligence, to cultivate, manage, and be productive stewards of the earth and their God-given gifts, a mandate established in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate"). The slothful person, by inventing obstacles and refusing to engage with their duties, actively rejects this divine mandate for diligent labor and productive living. This idleness is not morally neutral; it is a moral failing that hinders personal growth, neglects communal well-being, and ultimately dishonors the God who calls His people to be active participants in His redemptive purposes. It reveals a heart unwilling to trust God through perceived difficulties, preferring self-preservation through inaction and rationalization over courageous obedience.

* [Proverbs 19:15](/proverbs/19-15 "Proverbs 19:15 - Consequences of Idleness")
* [Proverbs 24:30-34](/proverbs/24-30-34 "Proverbs 24:30-34 - The Field of the Sluggard")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - Work or Not Eat")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 26:13 serves as a powerful and convicting mirror, inviting us to honestly examine our own tendencies toward procrastination, avoidance, and the invention of excuses. How often do we, like the slothful man, conjure up "lions" in our path—exaggerated fears, perceived insurmountable difficulties, or convenient rationalizations—to justify our inaction in areas where diligence, courage, or simply consistent effort is required? This proverb challenges us to discern critically between genuine, unavoidable obstacles and self-imposed barriers that stem from a lack of discipline or a fear of discomfort. It calls us to confront our inner resistance to responsibility, whether in our professional lives, personal relationships, spiritual disciplines, or acts of service to others. True growth, spiritual maturity, and fruitfulness often lie on the other side of perceived difficulties, requiring us to step out in faith and diligence rather than succumbing to the paralyzing grip of imagined threats. The profound wisdom here is to cultivate a spirit of proactive engagement, recognizing that God empowers us to overcome genuine challenges and exposes the emptiness and self-deception of our fabricated ones.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lions" (exaggerated fears or convenient excuses) do I tend to invent to avoid tasks or responsibilities in my life?**
* **How does my tendency towards idleness or procrastination impact my relationships, my work, or my spiritual growth and discipleship?**
* **What specific, concrete action can I take today to confront one "lion" and move forward with diligence and courage?**
* **How does my understanding of God's call to faithful stewardship and diligent labor motivate me to overcome inertia and embrace responsibility?**

### FAQ
**What does "a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets" truly mean in this proverb?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful example of **hyperbole**, meaning an intentional exaggeration for dramatic or satirical effect. It does not mean there are literal lions blocking the slothful man's path in a populated area. Instead, it vividly illustrates the absurd and often imaginary excuses that a lazy person invents to avoid work or responsibility. The "lion" represents any perceived, overwhelming obstacle—a difficulty, a fear, a discomfort, or a minor inconvenience—that the sluggard magnifies to an impossible, life-threatening scale, thereby justifying his inaction. It highlights his profound self-deception and unwillingness to exert effort, even for simple or necessary tasks, preferring to remain idle under the guise of insurmountable danger.

**Is laziness considered a sin in the Bible?**

Answer: While the Bible doesn't list "laziness" as one of the Ten Commandments, it consistently condemns idleness and sloth as a moral failing with significant negative consequences, both for the individual and the community. The Book of Proverbs, in particular, repeatedly warns against the dangers of laziness, linking it directly to poverty, ruin, and a lack of wisdom (e.g., [Proverbs 6:9-11](/proverbs/6-9-11 "Proverbs 6:9-11 - How Long Will You Slumber?")). The New Testament also admonishes believers to work diligently, to be productive, and to avoid being a burden on others. For instance, Paul famously declared, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" in [2 Thessalonians 3:10-12](/2_thessalonians/3-10-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - Work and Not Be Idle"). Laziness can be seen as a failure of stewardship over God-given time, talents, and resources, a neglect of God-given abilities, and a lack of love for neighbor by not contributing to the common good and the flourishing of society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:13, while a practical wisdom saying, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in contrasting the sluggard's paralysis with the active, purposeful, and self-sacrificial life of Jesus Christ. Our Lord never invented "lions in the way" to avoid His divine mission or the immense suffering required to accomplish it. Instead, He resolutely "set His face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), knowing full well the immense "lion" of the cross awaited Him there. He faced every real obstacle—temptation in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness")), relentless opposition from religious leaders ([John 5:16-18](/john/5-16-18 "John 5:16-18 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath")), and the agonizing struggle in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus in Gethsemane"))—with unwavering obedience, perfect diligence, and courageous perseverance, fulfilling every aspect of the Father's will. For the believer, Christ is the ultimate example of diligence and perseverance, empowering us through His indwelling Spirit to overcome our own tendencies toward sloth and to face life's genuine challenges with courage, knowing that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength in Christ")). He calls us not to idleness but to be faithful stewards of the gifts and callings He has given, running the race set before us with endurance, "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Running the Race")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 22:13

¶ The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

Proverbs 19:15

¶ Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Proverbs 15:19

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