CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 26:15 The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/26-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/20_Pro_26_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 26:15 - Similitudes and Instructions" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/26-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/26-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/26.htm">Chapter 26</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm" title="Proverbs 26:14">◄</a> Proverbs 26:15 <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm" title="Proverbs 26:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The slothful hideth his hand in <i>his</i> bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The lazy <i>man</i> buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A lazy one buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is <i>too</i> weary to return it to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The lazy person buries his hand in the dish [losing opportunity after opportunity]; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The slacker buries his hand in the bowl; he is too weary to bring it to his mouth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The slacker buries his hand in the bowl; he is too weary to bring it to his mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Some of us are so lazy that we won't lift a hand to feed ourselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; it wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A lazy person puts his fork in his food. He wears himself out as he brings it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Some people are too lazy to put food in their own mouths. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The lazy person buries his hand in the dish, but he's too tired to bring it to his mouth again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The sluggard plunges his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The slothful has hid his hand in a dish, "" He is weary of bringing it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The slothful hath hid his hand in a dish, He is weary of bringing it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The slothful one hid his hand in the dish; he was weary to turn it back to his mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The slothful hideth his hand under his armpit, and it grieveth him to turn it to his mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The lazy one conceals his hand under his arms, and it is a labor for him to move it to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The sluggard buries a hand in the dish, too weary to lift it to the mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The lazy person buries a hand in the dish, and is too tired to bring it back to the mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The slothful hides his hands in his bosom; it grieves him to bring them again to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The lazy one that hides his hands in his chest will labor to bring them to his mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A sluggard having hid his hand in his bosom, will not be able to bring it up to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5380" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Similitudes and Instructions</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6102.htm" title="6102: ‘ā·ṣêl (Adj-ms) -- Sluggish, lazy. From atsal; indolent.">The slacker</a> <a href="/hebrew/2934.htm" title="2934: ṭā·man (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To hide, conceal. A primitive root; to hide.">buries</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">his hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6747.htm" title="6747: baṣ·ṣal·lā·ḥaṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A dish. From tsalach; something advanced or deep, i.e. A bowl; figuratively, the bosom.">in the dish;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3811.htm" title="3811: nil·’āh (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To be weary or impatient. A primitive root; to tire; to be disgusted.">it wearies him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: la·hă·šî·ḇāh (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">to bring it back</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">his mouth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Proverbs 19:24</a></span><br />The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a></span><br />I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18</a></span><br />Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Matthew 25:26</a></span><br />‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12</a></span><br />Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10-12</a></span><br />For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a></span><br />The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a></span><br />The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a></span><br />Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a></span><br />Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a></span><br />The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Proverbs 21:25</a></span><br />The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-24.htm">Matthew 25:24-30</a></span><br />Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ / ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11-12</a></span><br />and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.</p><p class="hdg">slothful</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Proverbs 19:24</a></b></br> A slothful <i>man</i> hideth his hand in <i>his</i> bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.</p><p class="hdg">it grieveth him or he is weary </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Basin</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Buries</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Burieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-3.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Dish</a> <a href="/job/14-22.htm">Grieveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm">Hid</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Lazy</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm">Sluggard</a> <a href="/job/37-11.htm">Wearieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-12.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/psalms/119-139.htm">Wears</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-25.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/7-2.htm">Basin</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">Buries</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-6.htm">Burieth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-24.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/matthew/14-8.htm">Dish</a> <a href="/genesis/6-6.htm">Grieveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-16.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-15.htm">Hid</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Lazy</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-11.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Sluggard</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Wearieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-12.htm">Wears</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-14.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">observations about fools</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">about sluggards</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">and about contentious busybodies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The slacker buries his hand in the dish;</b><br>This phrase paints a vivid picture of laziness and apathy. In ancient Near Eastern culture, meals were often shared from a common dish, and eating was a communal activity. The image of a person who cannot even muster the energy to feed themselves from a shared dish highlights extreme laziness. This reflects a broader biblical theme where diligence is praised (<a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a>) and laziness is condemned (<a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</a>). The slacker's behavior contrasts with the industriousness encouraged throughout Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and effort.<p><b>it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.</b><br>This hyperbolic statement underscores the absurdity of the slacker's laziness. The act of bringing food to one's mouth is one of the simplest tasks, yet the slacker finds it exhausting. This exaggeration serves to ridicule the slacker's lack of initiative and highlights the consequences of laziness, such as poverty and unfulfilled potential (<a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a>). In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a warning against spiritual complacency, where one might have access to spiritual nourishment but lacks the motivation to partake in it. This connects to the New Testament call to be active in faith and good works (<a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17</a>). The slacker's behavior is antithetical to the diligence and perseverance exemplified by Jesus Christ, who consistently fulfilled His mission despite challenges (<a href="/john/4-34.htm">John 4:34</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sluggard.htm">The Sluggard</a></b><br>A recurring character in Proverbs, representing laziness and a lack of diligence. The sluggard is often depicted as someone who desires comfort without effort.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_dish.htm">The Dish</a></b><br>Symbolic of provision and sustenance. In ancient times, meals were communal, and the dish represents the resources available to the sluggard.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_act_of_eating.htm">The Act of Eating</a></b><br>A basic human necessity, representing the effort required to sustain oneself. The sluggard's failure to complete this simple task highlights extreme laziness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_laziness.htm">The Danger of Laziness</a></b><br>Laziness can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The sluggard's inability to complete a simple task like eating serves as a metaphor for broader life responsibilities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_diligence.htm">The Importance of Diligence</a></b><br>Diligence is a virtue that leads to prosperity and fulfillment. Christians are called to work diligently as unto the Lord, reflecting His character in their efforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Believers should examine their own lives for areas of laziness or complacency. Identifying these areas allows for growth and alignment with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god's_provision.htm">Dependence on God’s Provision</a></b><br>While God provides for our needs, He also expects us to act responsibly with what He has given. The sluggard's failure to act on available provision is a cautionary tale.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Engaging in a community of believers can provide accountability and encouragement to overcome laziness and pursue diligence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_proverbs_say_on_laziness.htm">What does Proverbs say about lazy people?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_26_7_contradict_other_wisdom.htm">Proverbs 26:7: Does the idea of a proverb in a fool's mouth being 'useless' conflict with other Bible passages that suggest all wisdom is beneficial?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_proverbs_6_1-5_and_matthew_5_42_align.htm">How do warnings against guaranteeing a neighbor's debt in Proverbs 6:1-5 align with Jesus's teachings on generosity (Matthew 5:42)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_an_undeserved_curse_fails.htm">Proverbs 26:2: Is there historical or scientific evidence to support the statement that an undeserved curse has no effect?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom.</span>--See above on <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm" title="A slothful man hides his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.">Proverbs 19:24</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - Very nearly identical with <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Proverbs 19:24</a>. It forms a climax to the two preceding verses. Wordsworth takes "the dish" as a type of sensual pleasure, which the slothful loves, while he has no liking for active work. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The sluggard</span><br /><span class="heb">עָצֵ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ṣêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6102.htm">Strong's 6102: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sluggish, lazy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">buries</span><br /><span class="heb">טָ֘מַ֤ן</span> <span class="translit">(ṭā·man)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2934.htm">Strong's 2934: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hide, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his hand</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֭דוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the dish;</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּצַּלָּ֑חַת</span> <span class="translit">(baṣ·ṣal·lā·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6747.htm">Strong's 6747: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something advanced, deep, a bowl, the bosom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he is too lazy</span><br /><span class="heb">נִ֝לְאָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(nil·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3811.htm">Strong's 3811: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tire, to be, disgusted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to bring it back</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽהֲשִׁיבָ֥הּ</span> <span class="translit">(la·hă·šî·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his mouth.</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(pîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-15.htm">Proverbs 26:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:15 The sluggard buries his hand (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 26:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 26:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>