The Lazy Person
26: 13-16
A proverb is a short and memorable saying designed to be our blueprint for living in the world that ADONAI has created. It is important to note that proverbs are not promises; they are generally true principles, all other things being equal.
Proverbs mock laziness more than any other form of foolishness. This behavior drives the hard-working sages crazy. The quantity of proverbs on laziness and hard work is surprising. The sting of the images used to mock those who refuse to put in any effort is also notable. Indeed, the sage is at his most sarcastically comedic when it comes to the lazy person. Because it takes effort to make it in this world, the wise teacher is concerned that the lazy will impoverish themselves. Therefore, the sages warn their disciples to work hard (to see link click Be – Don’t be Lazy). It is true today, as in antiquity, that some lazy people are rich, not because of their efforts, but because of being born into a wealthy family. However, the fact that there are exceptions does not disprove the importance of the point that is relevant in ninety-nine percent of the cases, that laziness leads to destitution or want.
On the other hand, according to a proverb like 22:29, those who work hard get ahead in life: Do you see anyone truly skilled at their work? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people (22:29). We are not surprised to find the following description of the wife of noble character: She watches over the affairs of her household and does not suffer from laziness (31:27). Here we have a collection of four separate proverbs, some of which practically repeat previous examples, that form an intense criticism of sloth.497
The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there” (26:13 NLT). This verse is identical to 22:13 in content and very close in actual wording. The proverb ridicules lazy people for using the thin excuse for avoiding work. While it is true that lions could be found in ancient Isra’el, they were not so numerous that they could be a legitimate excuse not to leave one’s house. Thus, both proverbs represent the lazybones as suffering from an irrational fear. What better reason could a person have for staying at home and not going to work than having a lion eat him alive at the marketplace!
As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed (26:14 NLT). The second proverb makes fun of the tendency of lazy people to spend too much time in bed. The proverb is quite clear: The lazy person is attached to his bed like a door to its hinges.498 They may move, but they go nowhere, they make no progress. Both are anchored. The sluggard makes no progress because he is firmly fixed to his comfort zone.
Lazy people take food in their hand, but don’t even lift it to their mouth (26:15 NLT). The third proverb in this collection is a near repetition of 19:24: The lazy person buries his hand in the dish, but doesn’t even bother to bring it to his mouth. The sage mocks the lazy person depicting him as even too lazy to eat. This humorous portrayal is certainly an exaggeration. It probably was meant more widely for anyone who starts a project but lacks the energy to finish the job; the example being that he refuses to lift food to his mouth. Any thought of exerting himself exhausts him.
Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors (26:16 NLT). The problem with lazy people, and probably the reason they perpetuate their self-destructive behavior, is that they believe they are wise in their own eyes (3:7a and 26:12). As such, they are unwilling to hear the criticism of other people.499 In conclusion, while there is hope for a fool to be saved from being a deluded fool, there is no hope for the sluggard to be saved from his delusion. There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise (26:12). The number seven symbolizes the perfection of the wise counselors’ advice. That is probably why King Artakh’shasta seven counselors in Ezra 7:14 (this number according to Persian tradition also seen in Esther 1:14) to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Torah of your God, which is in your hand (see the commentary on Ezra-Nehemiah Bi – King Artakh’shasta’s Letter to Ezra).500
Dear heavenly Father, praise You for always being so awesome and wonderful! What a comfort to know that You never sleep nor slumber, but are always watching over me. Behold, the Keeper of Isra’el neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalms 121:4). Lord, help me not to be lazy about using my spiritual gifts for Your Kingdom. Sometimes the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). But I do love You. Your steadfast love and infinite wisdom are so encouraging, causing me not to be lazy but to work hard for such a wonderful heavenly Father! In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen
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