Proverbs 6:10
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
Original Language Analysis
מְעַ֓ט׀
Yet a little
H4592
מְעַ֓ט׀
Yet a little
Strong's:
H4592
Word #:
1 of 8
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
מְעַ֓ט׀
Yet a little
H4592
מְעַ֓ט׀
Yet a little
Strong's:
H4592
Word #:
3 of 8
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
מְעַ֓ט׀
Yet a little
H4592
מְעַ֓ט׀
Yet a little
Strong's:
H4592
Word #:
5 of 8
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
Historical Context
Ecclesiastes 10:18 warns: 'By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.' Neglect accumulates imperceptibly until collapse occurs suddenly. Ancient construction required constant maintenance - minor neglect produced major structural failure. Modern life's complexity often obscures this until crisis forces attention.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'little' compromises in your life are accumulating toward larger failure?
- How do you rationalize procrastination or laziness as deserved rest?
- What disciplines would prevent 'a little' indulgence from becoming destructive patterns?
Analysis & Commentary
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - this deceptive rationalization minimizes laziness. The Hebrew diminutives ('a little...a little...a little') suggest that sloth justifies itself through incremental indulgence. 'Just five more minutes' repeated becomes chronic delay. The folded hands imagery portrays rest posture when work is required. Small compromises compound into large failures.