Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 19:24 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. "
Proverbs 19:24
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
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A lazy person is shown here to be foolish. He cares only about avoiding work and staying comfortable. Picture his posture: he hides his hand in his coat and acts as if he is too weak to work. His hands are cold, so he says he must warm them, and once they are warm, he will not take them out again. He clings to his own ease and has made up his mind against effort and hardship.
He will not even take the trouble to feed himself. This is an exaggerated way of speaking, but it makes the point clear. We say of someone very lazy that he would not even shake fire off himself, and this verse says the same thing in another way: he cannot bring himself to take his hand out of his bosom, not even to put food in his own mouth. If the rule is that those who will not work must not eat, he would rather go hungry than move. In that way, his sin becomes his punishment, which is why this laziness is such great foolishness.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 19:1
"Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool."
Proverbs 19:2
"It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty with one’s feet and miss the way."
Proverbs 19:3
"The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against the LORD."
Proverbs 19:4
"Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend."
Proverbs 19:5
"A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free."
Proverbs 19:6
"Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts."
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