Proverbs 26:15
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
Original Language Analysis
יָ֭דוֹ
his hand
H3027
יָ֭דוֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 8
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 8
something advanced or deep, i.e., a bowl; figuratively, the bosom
נִ֝לְאָ֗ה
it grieveth
H3811
נִ֝לְאָ֗ה
it grieveth
Strong's:
H3811
Word #:
5 of 8
to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern meals often involved communal dish; hand-feeding was normal. But sluggard won't complete even this simple motion. The absurdity emphasizes laziness's irrationality - refusing minimal effort for obvious benefit. Second Thessalonians 3:10 commands: 'If any would not work, neither should he eat.' Some poverty results from laziness; compassion doesn't require enabling sloth. Wisdom distinguishes deserving poor from lazy poor.
Questions for Reflection
- What minimal efforts are you refusing that would produce obvious benefits?
- How does laziness cause you self-inflicted suffering that simple effort would prevent?
- Where do you need to stop enabling others' sloth and require responsible effort?
Analysis & Commentary
The lazy person buries his hand in the dish; he's too weary to bring it to his mouth. The Hebrew 'taman' (bury/hide) and 'la'ah' (weary/tired) creates absurd exaggeration. Sluggard is so lazy that even eating - self-preservation's basic act - becomes too burdensome. This hyperbole mocks extreme laziness. Some people won't help themselves even when starving. Proverbs 19:24 makes identical point. Sloth produces self-inflicted suffering.