Proverbs 6:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet a little {H4592} sleep {H8142}, a little {H4592} slumber {H8572}, a little {H4592} folding {H2264} of the hands {H3027} to sleep {H7901}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"I'll just lie here a bit, rest a little longer, just fold my hands for a little more sleep"-

Berean Standard Bible

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

American Standard Version

Yeta little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:10 paints a poignant and cautionary portrait of idleness, depicting the sluggard's persistent inclination towards inaction and comfort. Through the repetitive imagery of "a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep," the verse subtly yet powerfully illustrates the insidious nature of procrastination and the cumulative effect of small, seemingly harmless acts of neglect. It serves as a stark warning that such habits, if unchecked, inevitably lead to detrimental consequences, setting the stage for the explicit admonitions that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a broader wisdom discourse against laziness found in [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6 - Admonitions Against Laziness"). The wise teacher initiates this section by directing the listener to observe the diligent industry of the ant, a creature that gathers its food without external compulsion, serving as a model of foresight and hard work ([Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The Ant's Diligence")). The rhetorical question in [Proverbs 6:9](/proverbs/6-9 "Proverbs 6:9 - The Sluggard's Indolence"), "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?", directly challenges the indolent. Verse 10 then elaborates on the sluggard's characteristic excuses and habits, detailing the incremental nature of their inaction. It functions as a direct prelude to the severe warning in [Proverbs 6:11](/proverbs/6-11 "Proverbs 6:11 - The Consequences of Idleness"), which graphically describes the inevitable arrival of poverty and want as a direct result of such continued idleness. The progression from observation to direct challenge, then to detailed description of the habit, and finally to its dire consequence, forms a cohesive and powerful argument against slothfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many agrarian societies, diligence and hard work were paramount for survival and prosperity. The household was the primary economic unit, and each member's contribution was vital. Idleness or "folding of the hands" directly threatened the well-being of the family and community. There was no social safety net in the modern sense; reliance on personal industry and the fruit of one's labor was fundamental. The wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, often reflects these practical realities, emphasizing virtues that lead to a flourishing life within the covenant community. Laziness was not merely a personal failing but a societal detriment, undermining the communal fabric and the divine mandate to work and steward creation ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man Placed in the Garden to Work")). The imagery of "sleep" and "slumber" would have resonated deeply in a context where waking hours were inextricably linked to productive activity.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 6:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. One prominent theme is **The Insidious Nature of Laziness**. The repetition of "a little sleep, a little slumber" underscores how idleness often begins subtly, with seemingly minor acts of procrastination or indulgence, which, when accumulated, develop into deeply entrenched and destructive habits. This highlights the danger of underestimating small compromises. Another key theme is **Procrastination and Inaction**. The vivid idiom "folding of the hands to sleep" powerfully conveys a deliberate refusal to engage in productive labor, prioritizing immediate comfort and ease over responsibility and foresight. This theme is central to the contrast between the diligent and the sluggard found throughout Proverbs ([Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence vs. Laziness")). Finally, the verse strongly implies the **Foreshadowing of Consequences**. While not explicitly stating the outcome, the depiction of the sluggard's habits builds anticipation for the inevitable negative results, which are then explicitly detailed in the subsequent verse ([Proverbs 6:11](/proverbs/6-11 "Proverbs 6:11 - Poverty's Swift Approach")). This emphasis on cause and effect, where actions (or inactions) have predictable outcomes, is a foundational principle of biblical wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **little (Hebrew, _mᵉʻaṭ'_):** This word signifies a small quantity, few, or a short duration. Its repeated use ("a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding") is crucial to the verse's message. It emphasizes that the sluggard's indulgence in idleness is not a grand, overt act, but a series of small, seemingly insignificant choices. This "little" accumulation of inaction is precisely what becomes so destructive, highlighting the insidious nature of procrastination and sloth.
* **folding (Hebrew, _chibbuq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to clasp" or "to embrace," _chibbuq_ specifically refers to a "clasping of the hands" in idleness. It vividly portrays the sluggard's posture: hands clasped together, not engaged in work, but rather in a state of rest or comfort. This is a deliberate, chosen posture of inactivity, a physical manifestation of a lack of will to engage in productive labor.
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word refers to the hand, often used metaphorically to denote power, means, or agency. In the context of "folding of the hands," it underscores the very instruments of labor and productivity being rendered inactive. The hands, designed for work and execution, are deliberately rendered useless, symbolizing the sluggard's refusal to exert effort or take action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet a little sleep,"**: This phrase introduces the sluggard's persistent desire for more rest. The word "little" here is key, suggesting not a necessary period of rest, but an indulgence—a desire for just a bit more comfort, a slight extension of inactivity beyond what is reasonable or productive. It sets the tone for the incremental nature of the sluggard's habits.
* **"a little slumber,"**: This repeats the pattern, reinforcing the idea of prolonged idleness. "Slumber" (Hebrew _tᵉnûwmâh_) implies a state of drowsiness or light sleep, suggesting a lack of full alertness and readiness for action. The repetition of "a little" emphasizes the sluggard's continuous, almost ritualistic, postponement of responsibility, always seeking just a bit more ease.
* **"a little folding of the hands to sleep:"**: This final clause provides the most vivid imagery of the sluggard's chosen inaction. "Folding of the hands" is a well-known idiom for idleness, indicating a deliberate refusal to work or engage in productive activity. The addition "to sleep" further emphasizes that this posture is taken not for active rest, but as a means to prolong the state of unproductivity and comfort, avoiding any exertion or responsibility.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its warning. **Anaphora**, the repetition of the phrase "a little" (_mᵉʻaṭ_) at the beginning of successive clauses, powerfully emphasizes the incremental and insidious nature of the sluggard's habits. This repetition highlights how seemingly small indulgences in idleness accumulate into a significant problem. The phrase "folding of the hands" is a classic **Idiom** in Hebrew wisdom literature, vividly symbolizing a deliberate refusal to work or engage in productive labor. This imagery creates a clear mental picture of someone choosing inaction over effort. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Incremental Repetition** where the repeated "a little" builds a sense of mounting indulgence, leading to the climactic image of complete inactivity ("folding of the hands to sleep"). This progression underscores the idea that persistent small acts of laziness inevitably lead to a state of profound indolence, setting the stage for the dire consequences detailed in the subsequent verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:10 speaks profoundly to the biblical emphasis on diligence, stewardship, and the reality of consequences. Theologically, it underscores that God values productive labor and wise management of time and resources, viewing idleness not merely as a character flaw but as a moral failing that contravenes the divine call to cultivate and keep creation ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man Placed in the Garden to Work")). The "little" acts of sloth accumulate, revealing a heart that prioritizes immediate comfort over long-term responsibility, echoing the broader biblical principle that small compromises can lead to significant spiritual and practical decline. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual and material prosperity are often linked to disciplined effort, while neglect invariably invites hardship.

* [Ecclesiastes 4:5](/ecclesiastes/4-5 "Ecclesiastes 4:5 - The Fool Folds His Hands")
* [Proverbs 24:33-34](/proverbs/24-33 "Proverbs 24:33-34 - The Sluggard's Poverty")
* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:10 offers timeless wisdom that transcends ancient agrarian contexts, speaking directly to the human tendency towards procrastination and the pursuit of immediate comfort over diligent effort. In a world of endless distractions and instant gratification, the "little sleep, a little slumber" can manifest as endless scrolling, binge-watching, or simply putting off necessary tasks for "just a little while longer." This verse challenges us to recognize the insidious nature of these small indulgences, which, though seemingly harmless individually, cumulatively erode productivity, hinder personal growth, and undermine responsibilities. It calls for a proactive vigilance against the subtle creep of apathy in all areas of life—from our professional duties and financial stewardship to our spiritual disciplines and relationships. Cultivating diligence means embracing the discipline of purposeful work, understanding that consistent, small efforts yield significant long-term returns, while consistent small neglects lead to inevitable decline.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to taking "a little sleep" or "a little slumber," postponing necessary tasks or responsibilities?**
* **How do seemingly small acts of procrastination or idleness accumulate to create larger problems in my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater diligence and overcome the temptation to "fold my hands" when work needs to be done?**
* **How does my attitude towards work and rest reflect my understanding of stewardship and responsibility before God?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean all sleep is bad or that we should never rest?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn sleep or rest in general. The Bible clearly affirms the need for rest and sleep, as seen in passages like [Psalm 127:2](/psalm/127-2 "Psalm 127:2 - God Gives Sleep to His Beloved") and the Sabbath command ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day")). Proverbs 6:10 is specifically addressing excessive or inappropriate sleep and idleness—the sluggard's deliberate choice to prolong comfort and avoid work. The emphasis is on the "little" additions of sleep and slumber, and the "folding of the hands," which signify a habitual avoidance of responsibility, not a healthy need for recuperation. It's about slothfulness, not legitimate rest.

**What is a "sluggard" according to Proverbs?**

Answer: In the book of Proverbs, a "sluggard" (Hebrew _ʻāṣēl_) is a person characterized by laziness, indolence, and an aversion to work. This individual is often depicted as preferring sleep and comfort over diligence and responsibility. The sluggard makes excuses ([Proverbs 22:13](/proverbs/22-13 "Proverbs 22:13 - The Sluggard's Excuse")), fails to complete tasks ([Proverbs 12:27](/proverbs/12-27 "Proverbs 12:27 - The Sluggard Does Not Roast His Game")), and ultimately faces poverty and want as a direct consequence of their inaction ([Proverbs 6:11](/proverbs/6-11 "Proverbs 6:11 - Poverty's Swift Approach") and [Proverbs 24:33-34](/proverbs/24-33 "Proverbs 24:33-34 - The Sluggard's Poverty")). The sluggard stands in stark contrast to the diligent and wise person who works hard and plans for the future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 6:10 directly addresses the practical consequences of idleness, its wisdom points to the ultimate example of diligence and purposeful action found in Jesus Christ. Unlike the sluggard who seeks "a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands," Jesus lived a life of unwavering purpose and tireless labor for the Father's will. He declared, "My Father is working until now, and I am working" ([John 5:17](/john/5-17 "John 5:17 - Jesus' Authority")), embodying a divine diligence that never ceased. His ministry was marked by continuous activity—healing, teaching, traveling, and ministering to the multitudes ([Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Compassionate Ministry")). He did not succumb to the temptation of "a little more comfort" but was always about His Father's business ([Luke 2:49](/luke/2-49 "Luke 2:49 - Jesus in the Temple")). Furthermore, the New Testament calls believers to imitate Christ's diligence, working with all their might as unto the Lord ([Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")) and avoiding idleness, which can lead to disorder and unproductive living ([2 Thessalonians 3:10-12](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - Work and Not Be Idle")). Thus, Proverbs 6:10, in its warning against sloth, implicitly highlights the perfect, active obedience of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Father's will and calls His followers to a life of diligent stewardship and purposeful labor in His name.

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 24:33

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

Proverbs 24:34

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

Proverbs 6:6

¶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

Proverbs 23:33

Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

Proverbs 23:34

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.