Proverbs 26:15
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse paints a vivid picture of extreme laziness, not just avoiding work, but finding even the basic act of feeding oneself an unbearable chore. The original language suggests the word translated "dish" could also mean a "basin" or even "bosom," hinting that the sluggard might be hiding his hand to keep it warm or simply out of sight, too weary to even lift it to his mouth. This isn't just about not wanting to toil; it's about a profound inertia that makes even self-preservation feel like too much effort.
This verse is part of a series of sharp observations about fools and sluggards in Proverbs 26. Just before, the text warned about sending a message by a fool, and the verse before that spoke of how, without fuel, a fire goes out. This proverb then uses a vivid, almost absurd image to illustrate the extreme laziness that the wise are constantly warning against.
Imagine being so unwilling to exert yourself that even the basic act of eating becomes a monumental effort. This verse paints a vivid, almost comical, picture of extreme sloth.
Proverbs 26:15 uses hyperbole to show just how profound laziness can be.
The Image of Sloth
"The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth." This isn't just about someone being a bit slow; it's about someone who has become so accustomed to inaction that even self-preservation feels like too much work. The hand is literally in the food dish, but the effort to lift the food to the mouth is described as 'wearing out' or 'grieving' the sluggard. It's an exaggeration to highlight the deep-seated aversion to any kind of labor, no matter how essential.
Beyond Physical Laziness
While the image is physical, the principle applies to all areas of life. Spiritual laziness can look similar: avoiding prayer, skipping Bible study, or neglecting fellowship because it feels like too much effort. We might find excuses, allowing our 'hand' to rest somewhere comfortable, rather than engaging in the work needed to nourish our souls.
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Sometimes, the greatest hurdle to doing something isn't the task itself, but the comfort we've found in not doing it. This proverb captures that strange paradox.
The proverb suggests that the sluggard actively hides his hand. This isn't just passive inactivity; it's a deliberate choice to keep oneself removed from the possibility of work or exertion.
Seeking Warmth in Inertia
Some ancient translations and interpretations suggest the 'bosom' could refer to keeping the hand warm, perhaps tucked away for comfort. This paints a picture of someone who prioritizes a passive, comfortable state over any form of engagement. The effort to move from this 'comfortable' inaction back to action—even to feed oneself—is met with resistance.
The Deceptive Nature of Sloth
Laziness can feel safe and easy in the short term, but it ultimately leads to depletion and lack. The comfort found in 'hiding the hand' is deceptive, as it prevents growth, provision, and fulfilling one's God-given purpose. The real weariness comes not from doing, but from the eventual consequences of not doing.
This verse directly parallels Proverbs 26:15, showing that the sluggard hides his hand in the dish (or bosom) and will not bring it to his mouth, emphasizing the extreme aversion to effort even for basic needs.
Matthew 25:26Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where the wicked and slothful servant buries his talent instead of investing it, highlighting the spiritual danger and condemnation associated with laziness and inaction.
2 Thessalonians 3:10This passage issues a clear command: 'If anyone is unwilling to work, let him not eat.' It underscores the principle that diligence is necessary for sustenance and that willful idleness has consequences.
Titus 3:14Paul encourages believers to be 'eager to do good works' and 'not be idle.' This contrasts the slothful person's aversion to effort with the Christian call to productive, beneficial activity in service to God and others.
pooleProverbs 26:15: "The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth."
He will not take the least pains for the most necessary things.
gillProverbs 26:15: "The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth."
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom,.... To keep it warm; Jarchi's note is, "he puts his hand in a hot basin, because of the cold.'' The word (c) for "bosom" does sometimes signify a "pot" or basin. Or he hides it under his "arm holes", as some render it, not caring to make use of it for labour; or covers it out of sight in his bosom, pretending some weakness or ailment in it, whic…
This verse paints a vivid picture of extreme laziness, not just avoiding work, but finding even the basic act of feeding oneself an unbearable chore. The original language suggests the word translated "dish" could also mean a "basin" or even "bosom," hinting that the sluggard might be hiding his hand to keep it warm or simply out of sight, too weary to even lift it to his mouth. This isn't just about not wanting to toil; it's about a profound inertia that makes even self-preservation feel like too much effort.
This verse is part of a series of sharp observations about fools and sluggards in Proverbs 26. Just before, the text warned about sending a message by a fool, and the verse before that spoke of how, without fuel, a fire goes out. This proverb then uses a vivid, almost absurd image to illustrate the extreme laziness that the wise are constantly warning against.
This verse is part of a series of sharp observations about fools and sluggards in Proverbs 26. Just before, the text warned about sending a message by a fool, and the verse before that spoke of how, without fuel, a fire goes out. This proverb then uses a vivid, almost absurd image to illustrate the extreme laziness that the wise are constantly warning against.
"The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth." — This verse paints a vivid picture of extreme laziness, not just avoiding work, but finding even the basic act of feeding oneself an unbearable chore. The original language suggests the word translate…
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