Proverbs 19:24

Modern

The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

Traditional

A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Literal

A lazy one hides his hand in the dish; even to his mouth he will not bring it back.

Latin

Abscondit piger manum suam sub ascella, nec ad os suum applicat eam.

Hebrew

English

The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

This proverb humorously highlights the foolishness of laziness (see also Proverbs 10:4–6, 26; 12:11, 27; 13:4; 15:19; 18:9). See the parallel passage in Proverbs 26:15.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
Proverbs 26:13–16
The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”
Proverbs 6:9–10
How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep?
Proverbs 24:30–34
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.
Mark 14:20
He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me.
Proverbs 19:15
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
Proverbs 12:27
A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.
Psalm 74:11
Why do You withdraw Your strong right hand? Stretch it out to destroy them!
Matthew 26:23
Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me.