Proverbs 26:14
As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
Original Language Analysis
תִּסּ֣וֹב
turneth
H5437
תִּסּ֣וֹב
turneth
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
2 of 7
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient doors with hinges allowed opening/closing but door itself went nowhere. Modern equivalent might be 'busy-work' - appearing productive without accomplishing anything meaningful. Ecclesiastes 10:15 says: 'The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.' Foolish people expend energy without achieving purposes. Wisdom works smart, not just hard.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'door-hinge' activities fill your time without producing meaningful results?
- How can you distinguish productive work from mere busy-ness?
- What changes would make your efforts purposeful rather than circular and unproductive?
Analysis & Commentary
As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy person in bed. The Hebrew 'tsir' (hinge) creates imagery of circular non-progress. Door swings on hinges, moving without going anywhere. Lazy person rolls in bed without rising. Activity without productivity, motion without progress. This mocks slothful busy-ness - appearing active while accomplishing nothing. Wisdom requires productive effort, not mere activity.