Proverbs 6:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

How long wilt thou sleep {H7901}, O sluggard {H6102}? when wilt thou arise {H6965} out of thy sleep {H8142}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Lazybones! How long will you lie there in bed? When will you get up from your sleep?

Berean Standard Bible

How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:9 delivers a sharp, rhetorical challenge to the habitually idle individual, directly questioning the duration of their unproductive slumber and demanding an awakening to responsibility. This poignant inquiry serves as a direct confrontation to procrastination and lethargy, underscoring the urgency of diligent action and the folly of perpetual inaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger admonition against slothfulness found in [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6 - Warnings Against Sloth and Wickedness"). The preceding verses, specifically [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The Diligence of the Ant"), present the industrious ant as a paradigm of foresight, self-motivation, and diligent labor, highlighting its ability to gather provisions without external supervision or compulsion. Verse 9 then serves as a stark rhetorical contrast, pivoting from the ant's exemplary diligence to a direct, piercing interrogation of the "sluggard." The questions "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?" are designed not merely to observe but to provoke, setting the stage for the dire consequences of continued idleness detailed in [Proverbs 6:10-11](/proverbs/6-10 "Proverbs 6:10-11 - The Consequences of Sloth"). This immediate literary context amplifies the urgency and gravity of the wise teacher's warning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, diligence and hard work were not merely virtues but necessities for survival and prosperity. The cycles of planting, harvesting, and animal husbandry demanded consistent effort and foresight. Idleness, therefore, was not just a personal failing but a threat to the household's economic stability and social standing. The "sluggard" (Hebrew: _'atsêl_) would have been a recognizable figure, someone whose lack of contribution would burden the community or family. Proverbs, as wisdom literature, reflects and reinforces these societal values, often using common observations and practical examples (like the ant) to teach principles applicable to daily life. The emphasis on rising early and working diligently was a cultural norm tied to the rhythms of an agricultural day, where the cool morning hours were prime for labor before the heat of the day.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by [Proverbs 6:9](/proverbs/6-9 "Proverbs 6:9 - The Sluggard's Wake-Up Call") is the profound contrast between **Diligence and Laziness**. Wisdom, as presented throughout the book of Proverbs, consistently champions proactive effort, foresight, and responsible stewardship of time and resources, viewing them as pathways to blessing and stability. Conversely, slothfulness is portrayed as a root cause of poverty, folly, and moral decay, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - The Hand of the Diligent") and [Proverbs 13:4](/proverbs/13-4 "Proverbs 13:4 - The Desire of the Sluggard"). This verse also embodies a **Call to Action**, transforming a rhetorical question into an urgent summons for the individual to break free from lethargy and embrace productive engagement. It's a challenge to self-assess and initiate change, echoing the broader Proverbial call to choose the path of wisdom over folly, which inherently involves active participation and responsible living, as opposed to passive idleness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sleep (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** This primitive root signifies "to lie down" for various purposes, including rest, but also implies a state of inactivity or passivity. In this context, it denotes a voluntary, prolonged state of idleness, not merely physical sleep, but a metaphorical slumber of the will and initiative. The question implies this state is excessive and detrimental.
* **sluggard (Hebrew, _ʻâtsêl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be indolent," this term precisely describes someone who is habitually lazy, sluggish, or habitually avoids work. It's not a temporary condition but a character trait, indicating a deep-seated disinclination to exert effort or take responsibility.
* **arise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This primitive root means "to rise" in various applications, encompassing physical rising but also figurative meanings like establishing, performing, or stirring up. Here, it is a direct imperative for the sluggard to "get up" not just physically, but to awaken to their duties, responsibilities, and the need for productive action. It signifies a call to initiate change and engage actively.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?"**: This initial rhetorical question highlights the prolonged and excessive nature of the "sluggard's" inactivity. It conveys a sense of exasperation and incredulity, questioning the duration of their chosen state of lethargy. The term "sluggard" (Hebrew: _'atsêl_) directly identifies the recipient of this rebuke as someone characterized by habitual indolence.
* **"when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?"**: This second rhetorical question intensifies the challenge, demanding a specific point of change. It's not just "if" but "when," implying that an awakening is overdue and necessary. "Arise" (Hebrew: _qûwm_) metaphorically calls for a cessation of idleness and an initiation of purposeful activity, urging the individual to break free from the passive state of "sleep" (Hebrew: _shênâh_, referring to the state of slumber itself).

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:9 employs several potent **literary devices** to deliver its message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, where the two questions "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?" are posed not to elicit information but to provoke self-reflection, challenge the listener's behavior, and underscore the absurdity and unacceptability of prolonged idleness. This technique creates a direct, confrontational tone. **Personification** is subtly present in addressing "sleep" as a state from which one must "arise," giving it an almost tangible quality that holds the sluggard captive. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor**, where "sleep" is not merely physical slumber but a symbolic representation of spiritual, intellectual, or vocational apathy and inaction. This metaphorical use allows the proverb to apply broadly to various forms of procrastination and neglect. The direct address to the "O sluggard" is a form of **Apostrophe**, directly speaking to an absent or personified entity, making the warning personal and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:9 articulates a fundamental theological principle: God's design for humanity includes purposeful labor and responsible stewardship. Idleness, in this context, is not merely a practical failing but a deviation from a divinely ordained pattern of diligence and productivity. The call to "arise" echoes a broader biblical theme of spiritual awakening and active obedience. Just as physical sloth leads to ruin, spiritual apathy can lead to a barren and unfruitful life. The wisdom tradition consistently links diligent effort with blessing and sloth with poverty, both material and spiritual, underscoring that our actions have tangible consequences in the divine economy.

* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - The Hand of the Diligent")
* [Romans 12:11](/romans/12-11 "Romans 12:11 - Fervent in Spirit, Serving the Lord")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - Work for Your Food")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:9 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to honestly examine areas of our lives where we might be "sleeping" or procrastinating. This isn't just about physical laziness, but about spiritual apathy, intellectual stagnation, or neglecting responsibilities in relationships or our vocations. The rhetorical questions compel us to move beyond passive observation of our habits to active self-assessment and decisive action. Are we diligently stewarding the gifts, time, and opportunities God has given us, or are we allowing inertia to dictate our progress? The call to "arise" is a summons to intentionality, discipline, and a proactive pursuit of God's purposes for our lives, recognizing that our diligence in small matters often reflects our faithfulness in larger ones. It challenges us to shake off complacency and embrace the active, engaged life to which wisdom calls us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life—spiritual, relational, professional—am I currently "sleeping" or procrastinating on important responsibilities?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to "arise" and begin addressing these areas with diligence and intentionality?**
* **How does my current level of diligence or slothfulness reflect my understanding of God's call to responsible stewardship?**

### FAQ
**Is "sleep" in this verse literal or metaphorical?**

Answer: While the word "sleep" (Hebrew: _shâkab_ and _shênâh_) can refer to literal slumber, in the context of [Proverbs 6:9](/proverbs/6-9 "Proverbs 6:9 - The Sluggard's Wake-Up Call") and the surrounding admonition against the "sluggard," it is primarily a **metaphor** for idleness, apathy, procrastination, and a general lack of initiative. The wise teacher is not merely warning against sleeping too much physically, but against a habitual state of inaction and avoidance of responsibility, whether in work, personal development, or spiritual pursuits. The call to "arise" (Hebrew: _qûwm_) is a call to awaken to one's duties and engage actively with life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 6:9 directly addresses the practical virtue of diligence, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how Jesus perfectly embodied diligent obedience and how His work calls believers out of spiritual slumber. The "sluggard" is characterized by inaction and a failure to "arise," a stark contrast to Christ, who was always about His Father's business, diligently pursuing His mission even unto death (cf. [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Father's Will") and [John 9:4](/john/9-4 "John 9:4 - Work While it is Day")). Moreover, the New Testament frequently uses the metaphor of "sleep" to describe spiritual lethargy, moral complacency, or being unaware of God's purposes and the urgency of the times. Passages like [Romans 13:11](/romans/13-11 "Romans 13:11 - Wake Up from Sleep") exhort believers to "wake up from sleep" because salvation is nearer. Similarly, [Ephesians 5:14](/ephesians/5-14 "Ephesians 5:14 - Awake, O Sleeper") directly calls out, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Thus, while Proverbs 6:9 urges practical diligence, it ultimately points to Christ as the one who perfectly fulfilled the call to active obedience and, through His Spirit, empowers us to "arise" from all forms of spiritual and practical slumber into a life of purpose and diligence, lived for His glory.

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.

Jeremiah 4:14

O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Psalms 94:8

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and [ye] fools, when will ye be wise?

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:7

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.