The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

PROVERBS 26:15KJV
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Proverbs 26:15 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 26:15 mean?

Proverbs 26:15 describes a lazy person who is so unwilling to exert effort that, after putting his hand into his bosom (or dish), he finds it too much trouble to bring it back to his mouth. The verse uses this exaggerated picture to highlight the extreme reluctance of the slothful to do even the simplest tasks for their own benefit.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed at anyone seeking practical wisdom for daily life. The image is meant to be almost comical, showing how laziness can reach a point where a person will not even finish what they start, even when it is in their own best interest.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 26:15

  • "slothful" (עָצֵל, ʿāṣēl): This word refers to someone habitually lazy or unwilling to work, not just someone resting or tired.
  • "hideth" (טָמַן, tāman): Here, it means to bury or tuck away, painting a picture of someone who puts their hand into their bosom or dish and leaves it there, avoiding further effort.
  • "bosom" (פָּרוּר, pārûr): In some translations, this word can mean "dish" or "bowl," suggesting the person is too lazy to bring food from the dish to their mouth.
  • "grieveth" (נָאַל, nāʾal): This word means to be weary or unwilling, emphasizing that even a small action feels like a burden to the lazy person.

Why Proverbs 26:15 matters

  • Proverbs 26:15 uses humor and exaggeration to make the dangers of laziness memorable and clear, showing how it can lead to self-defeating behavior.
  • The verse fits into a larger section warning against foolishness and laziness, helping the reader see the practical consequences of such attitudes.
  • By describing even the most basic act as too much trouble for the slothful, the proverb warns that laziness can rob a person of even the simplest rewards.

Where else these words appear

“bosom” Hebrew H6747 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Kings 21:13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.
  • Proverbs 19:24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

“slothful” Hebrew H6102 · used in 14 verses

  • Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
  • Proverbs 15:19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
  • Proverbs 22:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

“grieveth” Hebrew H3811 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 19:11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.
  • Psalms 68:9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
  • Jeremiah 9:5 And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.

“hideth” Hebrew H2934 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 35:4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
  • Job 20:26 All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
  • Psalms 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.