Proverbs 15:19

Modern

The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Traditional

The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

Literal

The way of the sluggish one is like a hedge of thorns, and the path of the upright is raised up.

Latin

Iter pigrorum quasi sepes spinarum; via justorum absque offendiculo.

Hebrew

English

The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

A lazy person can find many excuses, like a path blocked with briers, to avoid work (see Proverbs 10:4, 26; 12:11, 14; 13:4; 14:4).

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.
Isaiah 35:8
And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.
Proverbs 26:13
The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”
Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
Proverbs 22:13
The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”
Numbers 14:1–3
Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept.
Proverbs 8:9
They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
Psalm 27:11
Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
Psalm 25:8–9
Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.
Psalm 25:12
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.
Numbers 14:7–9
…and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land.
Proverbs 3:6
…in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.