Proverbs 26:16

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

The sluggard {H6102} is wiser {H2450} in his own conceit {H5869} than seven men {H7651} that can render {H7725} a reason {H2940}.

A lazy man is wiser in his own view than seven who can answer with sense.

The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.

The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason.

Context of Proverbs 26:16

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and flourishing life. It frequently contrasts the wise with the foolish, the diligent with the lazy. Proverbs 26 specifically focuses on the characteristics and dangers of the "sluggard" (a lazy person) and the "fool," often highlighting their self-deception and resistance to truth.

This verse, Proverbs 26:16, serves as a sharp observation on the sluggard's deep-seated pride and intellectual arrogance, which prevent them from truly gaining wisdom or accepting sound advice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Self-Deception and Arrogance: The central message is the sluggard's inflated sense of their own intelligence. Despite their inaction and lack of productivity, they are "wiser in his own conceit" than those who actually possess wisdom and can articulate it. This speaks to a dangerous form of self-delusion where laziness breeds a distorted self-perception.
  • Rejection of Sound Counsel: The sluggard's arrogance leads them to dismiss the well-reasoned arguments of "seven men that can render a reason." The number 'seven' often signifies completeness or abundance in Hebrew thought, emphasizing that even a multitude of wise and logical voices cannot penetrate the sluggard's self-imposed intellectual superiority. This highlights the peril of not valuing or seeking external wisdom, a theme found throughout Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 11:14).
  • The Folly of Laziness: Beyond mere physical inaction, the sluggard is portrayed as intellectually lazy and proud. Their unwillingness to exert effort in work translates into an unwillingness to exert effort in thinking, learning, or listening, leading to a closed-mindedness that is ultimately destructive.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sluggard" is 'atsel (עָצֵל), which denotes someone who is lazy, sluggish, or idle. The phrase "in his own conceit" comes from the Hebrew b'einav (בְּעֵינָיו), literally "in his eyes." This idiom powerfully conveys the idea of seeing oneself in a particular way, often with an inflated or distorted view, emphasizing self-opinion and self-assessment. The "seven men that can render a reason" translates from shiv'ah anashim meshibei ta'am (שִׁבְעָה אֲנָשִׁים מְשִׁיבֵי טַעַם), where meshibei ta'am refers to those who can give a logical, well-founded argument or answer, implying wisdom and discernment.

Practical Application and Reflection

This proverb offers a profound warning for all. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards advice, learning, and effort. Are we genuinely open to correction and instruction, or do we, like the sluggard, believe our own unexamined opinions are superior to the well-reasoned insights of others? The sluggard's pride prevents personal growth and often leads to stagnation, illustrating how pride goes before destruction.

To overcome this tendency, we must cultivate humility, diligently seek wisdom from diverse sources, and be willing to admit when our own understanding is limited. Valuing counsel and putting in the effort to learn and grow are essential for true wisdom, contrasting sharply with the sluggard's self-satisfied ignorance.

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 26:12

    ¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

  • Proverbs 12:15

    ¶ The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.

  • 1 Peter 3:15

    But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back