Laziness brings on deep sleepLaziness, often condemned in biblical literature, is portrayed as a moral failing that leads to negative consequences. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where agriculture was a primary occupation, diligence was necessary for survival. Proverbs frequently contrasts the diligent with the lazy, emphasizing the importance of hard work (
Proverbs 6:6-11). The "deep sleep" here symbolizes a state of inactivity and unawareness, suggesting that laziness leads to a metaphorical and literal slumber that prevents one from achieving success or fulfilling responsibilities. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to be vigilant and active in their faith (
1 Thessalonians 5:6).
and an idle soul will suffer hunger
The "idle soul" refers to a person who neglects their duties and responsibilities, resulting in a lack of provision. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, idleness could lead to physical hunger due to the failure to plant, tend, and harvest crops. This principle extends beyond physical needs, suggesting spiritual and emotional impoverishment as well. The Bible consistently warns against idleness, as seen in2 Thessalonians 3:10, where Paul instructs that those unwilling to work should not eat. This phrase underscores the biblical theme that diligence and responsibility are necessary for both physical sustenance and spiritual well-being.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.
2.
Ancient Israel- The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.
3.
The Sluggard- A recurring character in Proverbs, representing laziness and a lack of diligence, often leading to negative consequences.
Teaching Points
The Danger of SlothfulnessSlothfulness is not merely a lack of activity but a spiritual and moral issue that leads to a "deep sleep," symbolizing spiritual lethargy and unawareness.
Consequences of IdlenessAn idle soul will suffer hunger, both physically and spiritually. This hunger can manifest as unmet needs and unfulfilled potential.
Call to DiligenceBelievers are called to be diligent in their work and spiritual lives, reflecting God's character and fulfilling His purposes.
Spiritual VigilanceJust as physical laziness leads to hunger, spiritual laziness leads to a lack of spiritual nourishment and growth. We must remain vigilant in our spiritual disciplines.
Work as WorshipOur work, when done diligently and with the right heart, is an act of worship and service to God, aligning with His design for humanity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 19:15?
2.How does Proverbs 19:15 warn against the dangers of laziness and idleness?
3.What practical steps can prevent "deep sleep" from overtaking your spiritual life?
4.How does Proverbs 19:15 relate to the parable of the talents (Matthew 25)?
5.In what ways can diligence be cultivated to avoid "hunger" mentioned in Proverbs 19:15?
6.How can Proverbs 19:15 guide your daily work and spiritual discipline?
7.How does Proverbs 19:15 define the consequences of laziness in a believer's life?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 19:15?
9.How does Proverbs 19:15 relate to modern work ethics?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 19?
11.What does "Idle hands are the devil's workshop" mean?
12.What does the Bible say about laziness?
13.Does idleness lead to poverty?
14.Does idleness lead to poverty?What Does Proverbs 19:15 Mean
Laziness brings on deep sleep“Laziness brings on deep sleep” (Proverbs 19:15a). The verse pictures a person who chooses ease over effort and gradually slips into a dull, unresponsive state.
•Proverbs 6:9-10 reminds us, “How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?” Like a door that only swings on its hinges (Proverbs 26:14), the slothful remain in motion yet go nowhere.
• Sleep here is more than physical rest; it is a spirit of complacency.Romans 13:11 calls believers to “wake up from your slumber” because spiritual opportunities pass while we doze.
• Continued inaction deadens sensitivity to God’s promptings.Proverbs 20:13 cautions, “Do not love sleep, lest you grow poor; open your eyes and you will have plenty of food.” The pattern is clear: laziness → prolonged inactivity → missed provision.
And an idle soul will suffer hunger“An idle soul will suffer hunger” (Proverbs 19:15b). Idleness drains resources until need becomes unavoidable.
•Proverbs 10:4 observes, “Idle hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” God designed work as the normal means of provision (Genesis 2:15).
•Proverbs 20:4 notes that the sluggard “does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.” Hunger is not a random misfortune but a foreseeable result.
• The principle carries into the New Testament: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Paul ties physical need to personal responsibility, reinforcing the proverb’s warning.
• Idleness also produces spiritual hunger.Proverbs 13:4 says, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.” Spiritual fulfillment accompanies faithful, obedient effort.
SummaryProverbs 19:15 paints a straightforward cause-and-effect: choose laziness, and you drift into a numbing sleep; persist in idleness, and hunger—physical and spiritual—follows. God’s wisdom urges alertness and diligent labor, promising both material provision and inner satisfaction to those who heed His counsel.
(15)
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep.--Or rather,
makes it fall upon a man,as upon Adam (
Genesis 2:21).
Verse 15. -
Slothfulness casteth intoa deep sleep; "causes deep sleep to fall upon a man" (comp.
Proverbs 6:9;
Proverbs 13:4). The word for "sleep" (
תַרדֵמָה,
tardemah) is that used for the supernatural sleep of Adam when Eve was formed (
Genesis 2:21), and implies pro. found insensibility. Aquila and Symmachus render it,
ἔκστασιν, "trance." Slothfulness enervates a man, renders him as useless for labour as if he were actually asleep in his bed; it also enfeebles the mind, corrupts the higher faculties, converts a rational being into a witless animal.
Otium est vivi hominis sepultura, "Idleness is a living man's tomb."
An idle soul shall suffer hunger. We have many gnomes to this effect (see
Proverbs 10:4;
Proverbs 12:24;
Proverbs 20:13;
Proverbs 23:21). The LXX. has introduced something of this verse at
Proverbs 18:8, and here render,
Δειλίακατέχει ἀνδρόγυνον, "Cowardice holdeth fast the effeminate, and the soul of the idle shall hunger." "Sloth," as the proverb says, "is the mother of poverty."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Lazinessעַ֭צְלָה(‘aṣ·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6103:Sluggishnessbrings onתַּפִּ֣יל(tap·pîl)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5307:To fall, liedeep sleep,תַּרְדֵּמָ֑ה(tar·dê·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8639:A lethargy, tranceand an idleרְמִיָּ֣ה(rə·mî·yāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7423:Remissness, treacherysoulוְנֶ֖פֶשׁ(wə·ne·p̄eš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionwill suffer hunger.תִרְעָֽב׃(ṯir·‘āḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7456:To be hungry
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep (Prov. Pro Pr) 
