Proverbs 19:24

A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Proverbs 19:24 (KJV)

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings attributed to King Solomon. It offers practical wisdom for daily living, often using vivid word pictures to expose the folly of sinful habits. This verse is a wisdom saying, part of a collection of practical instructions for daily living, addressing character and work ethic.

Meaning

This verse paints a striking, almost comical picture of laziness. The Hebrew word translated “slothful” describes a person who is lazy, lacking diligence and motivation, and who avoids work in favor of idleness. The action of hiding the hand in the bosom is a posture of refusal to engage in productive labor. The word for “bosom” can also mean a dish or platter, suggesting the man’s hand is in the food, yet he is so sluggish he will not lift it to his mouth to feed himself. The hyperbole is deliberate: he would rather starve than exert the minimal effort required to eat. This illustrates the self-destructive nature of sloth, which harms the sluggard more than anyone else. The verse is a warning against a lifestyle of avoidance and the foolishness of choosing comfort over necessity.

Biblical connections

The surrounding context of Proverbs reinforces this theme, with other passages describing the sluggard’s field overgrown with thorns and his constant turning on his bed. These images together call readers to diligence and remind them that laziness leads to ruin, while the path of the righteous is marked by fruitful labor.

Application

The verse calls us to examine our own tendencies toward avoidance and procrastination. Are there responsibilities we hide from, even when the effort required is small? Laziness often begins with small refusals that grow into ruinous habits. Diligence, by contrast, is a mark of wisdom and honors God in everyday work.

Reflection

Consider the areas where you may be like the slothful man—knowing what is right but unwilling to put forth the effort. Ask God for the strength to act with diligence, trusting that He rewards faithful labor and that the path of the righteous is marked by fruitful work.