Book of Proverbs - Chapter 26 - Verse 15

The verse "The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth." from the book of Proverbs highlights the behavior of a lazy person who lacks motivation and puts minimal effort into his tasks. This passage serves as a cautionary tale, encouraging readers to avoid the pitfalls of laziness and procrastination. The image of someone hiding their hand in their bosom, unwilling to even bring it up to their mouth, depicts a level of apathy and reluctance to engage in necessary actions. The verse emphasizes the negative consequences of being slothful, as it leads to inefficiency, unproductivity, and missed opportunities. By showcasing the reluctance of the lazy person to even bring their hand to their mouth, the verse effectively portrays the extent of their laziness and its hindrance to their own well-being and success.

In this verse, the concept of slothfulness is highlighted through the imagery of a lazy person who is unwilling to exert any effort, even to the point of finding it troublesome to bring his hand back to his mouth after hiding it in his bosom. The underlying theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the consequences of laziness and the importance of diligence and hard work in one's life. The Hebrew word used for slothful in this verse is 'atsel,' which conveys the idea of being sluggish or idle. This word study sheds light on the nature of laziness and its detrimental effects on productivity and growth. By examining the nuances of the original language, we gain a deeper understanding of the implications of this verse and its relevance to our daily lives.