Proverbs 21:25

¶ The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

The desire {H8378} of the slothful {H6102} killeth {H4191} him; for his hands {H3027} refuse {H3985} to labour {H6213}.

A lazy man's craving will kill him, because his hands refuse to work -

The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.

The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor.

Commentary

Proverbs 21:25 delivers a stark warning about the destructive power of idleness, particularly when coupled with unfulfilled desires. The verse states, "The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour." It paints a vivid picture of a person consumed by wants but paralyzed by an unwillingness to work towards them, ultimately leading to ruin.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life. It frequently contrasts the paths of the wise and the foolish, the diligent and the slothful. This verse fits squarely within a larger theme emphasizing the virtue of hard work and the dangers of laziness. Throughout Proverbs, idleness is depicted not merely as an inconvenience but as a gateway to poverty, hunger, and ultimately, a wasted life, as seen in passages like Proverbs 20:4 and Proverbs 24:30-34.

Key Themes

  • The Destructive Nature of Sloth: The core message is that laziness, especially when it prevents action on one's desires, leads to self-destruction. The "death" here can refer to the death of potential, prosperity, reputation, and even physical well-being due to neglect.
  • Unfulfilled Desire: The slothful person often has desires—for comfort, wealth, success, or provision—but their refusal to labor ensures these desires remain unfulfilled, creating internal torment and external lack. This highlights the futility of wanting without working.
  • The Necessity of Labor: The verse implicitly champions diligence. It suggests that purposeful work is essential for fulfilling desires and sustaining life. The phrase "his hands refuse to labour" underscores an active choice to be idle, rather than merely a lack of opportunity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "slothful" is 'atsel (עָצֵל), which denotes someone sluggish, lazy, or idle. The phrase "killeth him" (תְּמִיתֶנּוּ, t'mitennu) comes from the root mut, meaning "to die" or "to kill." While it can mean literal death, in the context of Proverbs, it often signifies ruin, destruction, severe detriment, or the cessation of a productive life. It's a strong metaphor for the ultimate outcome of persistent idleness.

Practical Application

Proverbs 21:25 serves as a timeless reminder that mere wishing or desiring is insufficient for success and well-being. It calls believers to embrace diligence in all areas of life—whether in their vocation, personal responsibilities, or spiritual walk. For the Christian, this verse encourages active participation in God's will, not just passively hoping for blessings. Just as physical labor yields results, spiritual discipline and obedience are necessary for growth and experiencing the fullness of God's promises. It warns against the spiritual sloth that might desire a deeper relationship with God or more spiritual fruit, yet refuses the "labor" of prayer, Bible study, and service, ultimately leading to spiritual barrenness. This principle aligns with the New Testament emphasis on working diligently and not being idle.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 13:4 (7 votes)

    ¶ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

  • Proverbs 12:24 (5 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 19:24 (4 votes)

    ¶ A slothful [man] hideth his hand in [his] bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

  • Proverbs 15:19 (4 votes)

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

  • Matthew 25:26 (4 votes)

    His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

  • Proverbs 26:16 (4 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 12:27 (4 votes)

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