Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
Original Language Analysis
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
H1870
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
1 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְאֹ֖רַח
but the way
H734
וְאֹ֖רַח
but the way
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
5 of 7
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
Cross References
Isaiah 35:8And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.Isaiah 30:21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.Proverbs 22:5Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.Psalms 27:11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.Proverbs 26:13The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.Proverbs 8:9They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.Proverbs 22:13The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
Historical Context
Ancient travel faced real hazards—thorns, wild animals, bandits. The sluggard exaggerated these to avoid work (Proverbs 22:13, 26:13: "There is a lion in the way"). The diligent pressed forward, finding paths navigable. Similarly in spiritual life, the lazy find endless excuses for disobedience, while the righteous obey despite difficulties. Christ makes believers' paths straight (Hebrews 12:13).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'hedges of thorns' (excuses, obstacles) are you using to avoid work, growth, or obedience?
- How can you develop diligence that overcomes real challenges rather than sloth that magnifies them?
- In what ways does walking uprightly actually make your path smoother in the long run?
Analysis & Commentary
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. Derekh atsel kimsukat-chadeq (דֶּרֶךְ עָצֵל כִּמְשֻׂכַת חָדֶק, the way of the sluggard like a hedge of thorns). The lazy person sees every path obstructed—real or imagined obstacles prevent action. Ve'orach yesharim selulah (וְאֹרַח יְשָׁרִים סְלֻלָה, but the path of the upright is a highway). Selulah (סְלֻלָה, highway, raised road, clear path) indicates smooth traveling. The righteous find their way cleared. Often obstacles are more in the sluggard's imagination than reality. Diligence overcomes difficulties the lazy person uses as excuses.