Proverbs 26:14

¶ [As] the door turneth upon his hinges, so [doth] the slothful upon his bed.

As the door {H1817} turneth {H5437} upon his hinges {H6735}, so doth the slothful {H6102} upon his bed {H4296}.

The door turns on its hinges, and the lazy man on his bed.

As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed.

Asthe door turneth upon its hinges, So doth the sluggard upon his bed.

Proverbs 26:14 presents a vivid and memorable simile to illustrate the futility and unproductiveness of laziness. Just as a door moves back and forth on its hinges but never actually goes anywhere new or accomplishes anything, so too does the slothful person turn over and over on their bed, remaining in a state of inaction and avoiding the responsibilities of the day. This verse powerfully conveys the idea of movement without progress, highlighting the stagnant nature of idleness.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section within the Book of Proverbs (chapters 25-29) which contains additional sayings of Solomon, collected and transcribed by the "men of Hezekiah," king of Judah (Proverbs 25:1). The Book of Proverbs, as a cornerstone of biblical wisdom literature, frequently contrasts the diligent and the wise with the foolish and the slothful. This particular chapter dedicates significant attention to the characteristics and consequences of both fools and sluggards, often using sharp, observational comparisons like this one to expose their unproductive habits and destructive tendencies.

Key Themes

  • Futility of Inaction: The central message is that mere activity (turning over) without purpose or progress is meaningless. The slothful person expends energy in avoiding work, leading to no beneficial outcome.
  • Stagnation and Lack of Progress: The door on its hinges is perpetually confined to its frame, never advancing. Similarly, the lazy individual remains stuck, failing to grow, develop, or contribute. This imagery powerfully conveys the idea of stagnation and lack of progress, a recurring theme in Proverbs regarding the dangers of idleness.
  • Avoidance of Responsibility: The verse subtly points to the slothful person's deliberate choice to remain in bed, shunning the duties and opportunities that daylight brings.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "slothful" here is ‘atsel (עָצֵל), which is consistently translated as lazy, sluggish, or sluggard throughout Proverbs. It describes someone who is habitually unwilling to exert effort, whether physically or mentally. The imagery of the "door turneth upon his hinges" is a simple yet profound illustration of perpetual motion that results in no meaningful change of position or state, perfectly mirroring the unproductive life of the ‘atsel.

Related Scriptures

This proverb aligns with other passages that warn against the perils of laziness and commend diligence:

  • Proverbs 6:6-11 urges the sluggard to "go to the ant" to learn about diligence, warning that poverty will overtake the idle.
  • Proverbs 24:30-34 describes the desolate field of the slothful, overgrown with thorns, serving as a stark visual metaphor for the decay that results from neglect and idleness.
  • Proverbs 10:4 contrasts the diligent, whose hand makes rich, with the slothful, who makes poor.

Practical Application

Proverbs 26:14 serves as a timeless challenge to overcome inertia and procrastination. It encourages us to move beyond mere physical presence or superficial activity and to engage purposefully with our responsibilities, talents, and callings. For contemporary readers, this verse is a powerful reminder that true progress comes from diligent effort and decisive action, not from simply "turning over" in comfort. It calls us to break free from habits of idleness, embrace productivity, and make the most of the time and opportunities we are given, recognizing that a life of unaddressed sloth leads to stagnation and missed potential.

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.

  • Hebrews 6:12

    That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

  • Proverbs 12:24

    ¶ The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

  • Proverbs 12:27

    ¶ The slothful [man] roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man [is] precious.

  • Proverbs 24:33

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

  • 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:
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