Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
This proverb highlights the natural consequences of laziness. It uses vivid imagery to show how neglect of duty leads not only to mental and spiritual dullness but also to physical lack.
Two effects of laziness: [1] Deep sleep – laziness dulls a person’s mind and will. It creates apathy, where one becomes oblivious to responsibilities, opportunities, and even moral duties. Such a person drifts through life, inactive and indifferent, much like someone in a stupor. Slothfulness can lead to a hardened heart toward God’s callings (Rom. 13:11-12). [2] Hunger and want – the practical, inevitable outcome of persistent idleness is poverty. Without effort and diligence, one cannot sustain their needs. Proverbs repeatedly warns that laziness leads to hunger and want (6:9-11; 10:4; 20:4). God has designed the world so that labour brings provision; neglect brings lack (2Thess. 3:10).
‘Deep sleep’ [Hebrew: tardēmāh] A profound sleep or unconsciousness; the term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament for a God-induced deep sleep: Adam – God caused a tardēmāh to fall on him before forming Eve (Gen. 2:21). Abraham – A tardēmāh fell on him before God’s covenant vision (Gen. 15:12). Saul’s army – A tardēmāh from the Lord kept them from waking when David spared Saul’s life (1Sam. 26:12). Job’s visions – Came in deep sleep (Job 4:13; 33:15).
In Isaiah 29:10, it is used metaphorically for spiritual stupor: “The Lord has poured out upon you a spirit of deep sleep.” In Proverbs 19:15, this word is applied figuratively to laziness. It describes someone so dulled by sloth that they are insensible to life’s responsibilities, indifferent to opportunities, blind to danger, and unresponsive to the needs of others.
To be continued…
Living the Word 