Proverbs 19:24
A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Original Language Analysis
יָ֭דוֹ
his hand
H3027
יָ֭דוֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בַּצַּלָּ֑חַת
in his bosom
H6747
בַּצַּלָּ֑חַת
in his bosom
Strong's:
H6747
Word #:
4 of 9
something advanced or deep, i.e., a bowl; figuratively, the bosom
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
פִּ֝֗יהוּ
it to his mouth
H6310
פִּ֝֗יהוּ
it to his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 9
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Historical Context
In subsistence economies, such laziness would quickly lead to starvation. The proverb's absurd exaggeration highlights sloth's fundamental irrationality and self-destructiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- Where in your life does laziness prevent you from doing even what's obviously necessary?
- What spiritual disciplines do you neglect out of mere comfort-seeking?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This vivid caricature of laziness depicts absurd extremes: the sluggard so averse to effort that he won't even feed himself. Having reached for food (hand in bosom/dish), he lacks energy or will to complete the action. This hyperbole exposes sloth's irrational nature—it violates even self-preservation instincts. Laziness isn't mere tiredness but a moral failure that distorts God's design for human flourishing through purposeful work. The picture is both humorous and tragic, revealing how sin makes people fools who act against their own interests. The sluggard's real problem is not physical but spiritual—a will enslaved to ease and comfort.