Proverbs 21:25
Proverbs 21:25 in Multiple Translations
The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor.
The desire of the hater of work is death to him, for his hands will do no work.
Slackers die hungry because they refuse to work.
The desire of the slouthfull slayeth him: for his hands refuse to worke.
The desire of the slothful slayeth him, For his hands have refused to work.
The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor.
Desires kill the slothful: for his hands have refused to work at all.
Lazy people, who refuse to work, will die of hunger because they [SYN] do not earn money to buy food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 21:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
עָצֵ֣ל
תְּמִיתֶ֑/נּוּ
כִּֽי
מֵאֲנ֖וּ
יָדָ֣י/ו
לַ/עֲשֽׂוֹת
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
taʼăvâh
H8378
desire
N-fs
עָצֵ֣ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
sluggish
Adj
תְּמִיתֶ֑/נּוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֵאֲנ֖וּ
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
יָדָ֣י/ו
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
לַ/עֲשֽׂוֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 21:25
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
taʼăvâh
H8378
"desire"
N-fs
This word means desire or longing, and can refer to a positive or negative yearning. In the Bible, it is used to describe the desires of the heart, as seen in Psalm 38:9. It can also imply a delight or satisfaction.
Definition: 1) desire 1a) desire, wish, longings of one's heart 1a1) lust, appetite, covetousness (bad sense) 1b) thing desired, object of desire
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dainty, desire, [idiom] exceedingly, [idiom] greedily, lust(ing), pleasant. See also H6914 (קִבְרוֹת הַתַּאֲוָה). See also: Genesis 3:6; Psalms 106:14; Psalms 10:3.
עָצֵ֣ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
"sluggish"
Adj
A sluggish person, often called a sluggard, this word describes someone who is habitually lazy or idle, like the slothful person in Proverbs.
Definition: 1) sluggish, lazy 1a) sluggard (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: slothful, sluggard. See also: Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 6:9.
תְּמִיתֶ֑/נּוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מֵאֲנ֖וּ
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
יָדָ֣י/ו
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לַ/עֲשֽׂוֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:25
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:25
Context — The King’s Heart
23He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
24Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride.
25The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.
26All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with ill intent!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:4 | The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:24 | The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. |
| 3 | Matthew 25:26 | ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. |
| 4 | Proverbs 19:24 | The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:19 | The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. |
| 6 | Proverbs 12:27 | A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession. |
| 7 | Proverbs 26:16 | The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. |
| 8 | Proverbs 20:4 | The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. |
| 9 | Proverbs 24:30–34 | I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 10 | Proverbs 26:13 | The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” |
Proverbs 21:25 Summary
This verse teaches us that when we are lazy and refuse to work, our desires and cravings can actually harm us. It's like our bodies and minds are designed to work and be productive, and when we don't, we can become consumed by our own desires and dissatisfaction. As it says in Proverbs 13:4, 'The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.' By trusting in God's provision and working diligently, we can find true fulfillment and purpose, as seen in Matthew 6:33, which says 'But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a craving to kill someone?
In the context of Proverbs 21:25, the craving that kills is a result of laziness and refusal to work, leading to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and longing, as seen in Proverbs 20:4 where it says 'The slacker does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest time, but nothing will be found.'
Is it a sin to be lazy?
According to the Bible, laziness is indeed considered a sin, as it goes against the principle of diligence and hard work, as seen in Proverbs 10:4-5 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which says 'For even when we were with you, we would give you this rule: If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'
How can we overcome the temptation of laziness?
To overcome laziness, we must cultivate a strong work ethic and trust in God's provision, as seen in Proverbs 28:19, which says 'He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.' We must also remember that our work is a form of worship and service to God, as stated in Colossians 3:23-24.
What is the relationship between laziness and coveting?
Proverbs 21:25-26 reveals that laziness can lead to an insatiable craving and coveting, as the slacker desires more but refuses to work for it, illustrating the destructive cycle of sin and dissatisfaction described in 1 Timothy 6:10, which says 'For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have been lazy or complacent, and how can I start taking action to change that?
- How does my attitude towards work reflect my trust in God's provision and sovereignty?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a strong work ethic and serve others through my work, as stated in Ephesians 4:28?
- In what ways have I allowed my desires and cravings to control my actions, rather than being guided by biblical principles and values?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:25
The desire of the slothful killeth him,.... His desire after food and raiment, and riches; for because he cannot have what he desires, being unwilling to work for them, it frets and vexes him to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:25
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
Killeth him; either, 1. Tormenteth him almost to death, whilst he passionately desires that which he sees he shall not enjoy, and will not take pains to procure. Or, 2. Exposeth him to extreme want, and so to death, or to such wicked courses, for the supply of his wants, as bring him to an untimely death.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.Ver. 25. The desire of the slothful killeth him.] He only wisheth well to himself; but refusing to labour, "pineth away in his iniquity." Neither grace nor wealth is had with wishing; Nemo casu fit sapiens, saith Seneca. Some have a kind of willingness and velleity, a kind of wambling after the best things, but it doth not boil up to the full height of resolution for God. “ Virtutem exoptant, contabescuntque relicta. ” - Pers. Carnal men care not to seek after him whom yet they would fain find, saith Bernard; Cupientes consequi sed non et sequi; have heaven they would, but stick at the hard conditions; like faint chapmen, they bid money for heaven, but are loath to come up to the full price for it. Balaam wished well to heaven; so did the young Pharisee in the gospel, that came to Christ hastily, but went away heavily. Herod for a long time desired to see Christ, but never stirred out of doors to see him. Pilate asked Christ, What is truth? but never stayed his answer. The sluggard puts out his arm to rise, and pulls it in again; he turns upon his bed, as the door doth upon the hinges, which yet comes not off for all the turnings, but hangs still, and this is his utter undoing. Men must not think that good things, whether spiritual or temporal, will drop out of the clouds to them, as towns were said to come into Timotheus’ s toil while he slept. Now, "perform the doing of it," saith St Paul to those lazy Corinthians.
A thirsty man will not only long for drink, but labour after it. A covetous man will not only wish for wealth, but strive to compass it. Yet not every covetous man, I confess; for in the next verse it is said of the sluggard, Epist. 77. Aemuli ipsius dormientem piuxerant. - Plut. in Sulla.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
(25) The desire of the slothful killeth them.—Their love for sloth and pleasure ruins them in soul and body and fortune.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
Verse 25. The desire of the slothful killeth him] He desires to eat, drink, and be clothed: but as he does not labour, hence he dies with this desire in his heart, envying those who possess plenty through their labour and industry. Hence he is said to covet greedily all the day long, Proverbs 21:26, while the righteous, who has been laborious and diligent, has enough to eat, and some to spare.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:25
25. the desire of the slothful killeth him] This may mean either (a) his desire for slothful inaction brings him to want and starvation, because through its indulgence (as the 2nd clause of the verse explains) his hands refuse to do the work by which maintenance is to be obtained; or (b) his desire for the necessaries and comforts of life, or even for nobler things, wears him out with unsatisfied longings. Comp. Proverbs 21:26 below and Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 19:24. “Idleness is ruin; the soul rusts away, like the sword in Hudibras, which ‘ate into itself for lack Of something else to hew and hack.’ ” Horton.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:25
Killeth him - He wastes his strength and life in unsatisfied longings for something which he has not energy to gain.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:25
25. Desire… killeth him — This is variously interpreted. Patrick says:“His sloth moves him to make provision for his desires by robbing, or other unlawful ways, rather than by some honest but
Sermons on Proverbs 21:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jesus Teaches About Persistence and Prayer Matthew 7:7-11 by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' sermon on the mountainside, suggesting that beyond prayer, Jesus was addressing laziness and the importance of persistence. While Jesus' words on a |
|
Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie |
|
Mercenary Christians by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of a mercenary mentality that has infiltrated the American church. He uses the story of Simon the sorcerer from Acts chapter eight |
|
Special Leaders Session by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching the word of God systematically and thoroughly. He criticizes the lack of proper training and instruction given to |
|
Laziness Brings Poverty by Derek Prince | Derek Prince delves into Proverbs 6:9-11, highlighting the spiritual root cause of poverty as laziness. He emphasizes that poverty and scarcity are not just material conditions but |
|
The Seven Deadly Sins by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong preaches about the deadly nature of sin unless repented of and forgiven by God. Sin is any deliberate act against the known will of God, whether vertically against G |
|
The Ant by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook emphasizes the lesson of diligence and wisdom from Proverbs 6:6, using the example of the ant's hard work and constant activity to shame the sluggard into action. B |