Proverbs 18:9
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 18:9
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is how the verse equates inaction with destruction. A person who is slack in their work isn't just lazy; they are kin to someone who actively tears things down, because their neglect leads to the same ruin and loss.
In this section of Proverbs, wisdom is contrasting two destructive paths: carelessness and active destruction. Just before this verse, wisdom warns against being reckless with possessions, and immediately after, it highlights the foolishness of gossip and slander. This verse fits right in, linking the person who neglects their responsibilities to someone who actively ruins things, showing how both ultimately lead to ruin.
Understand the original words
rāpâ · Hebrew Adjective
In biblical contexts, this denotes laziness, negligence, or lack of diligence in fulfilling one's responsibilities or duties before God and man.
Jesus declares, 'Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.' This echoes Proverbs 18:9 by showing that inaction and scattering (the opposite of gathering or diligent work) are fundamentally destructive.
Proverbs 6:6-11This passage directly contrasts the industrious ant with the lazy person, warning that idleness leads to ruin and destitution, just as Proverbs 18:9 links slothfulness to destruction.
2 Thessalonians 3:10Paul's instruction that 'if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat' reinforces the idea that diligent work is essential for provision and community, implying that refusing to work is a form of self-destruction or a step toward ruin.
Ecclesiastes 10:18The verse states, 'Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the walls leak,' vividly illustrating how neglect and lack of diligence (sloth) lead to decay and destruction, mirroring the sentiment in Proverbs.
ellicottProverbs 18:9: "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster."
(9) He also that is slothful in his work.— Whatsoever it may be that is committed to his care, is “brother to him that is a great waster,” or “destroyer “; neglect of duty causes almost as much mischief in life as active wickedness.
pooleProverbs 18:9: "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster."
They are alike; though they take several paths, yet both come to one end, even to extreme want and poverty.
What's striking here is how the verse equates inaction with destruction. A person who is slack in their work isn't just lazy; they are kin to someone who actively tears things down, because their neglect leads to the same ruin and loss.
In this section of Proverbs, wisdom is contrasting two destructive paths: carelessness and active destruction. Just before this verse, wisdom warns against being reckless with possessions, and immediately after, it highlights the foolishness of gossip and slander. This verse fits right in, linking the person who neglects their responsibilities to someone who actively ruins things, showing how both ultimately lead to ruin.
In this section of Proverbs, wisdom is contrasting two destructive paths: carelessness and active destruction. Just before this verse, wisdom warns against being reckless with possessions, and immediately after, it highlights the foolishness of gossip and slander. This verse fits right in, linking the person who neglects their responsibilities to someone who actively ruins things, showing how both ultimately lead to ruin.
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"Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys." — What's striking here is how the verse equates inaction with destruction. A person who is slack in their work isn't just lazy; they are kin to someone who actively tears things down, because their…