Proverbs 18:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

NIV: One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

NASB: He also who is lax in his work Is a brother to him who destroys.

CSB: The one who is lazy in his work is brother to a vandal.

NLT: A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.

KJV: He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

NKJV: He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

Here, Solomon points out that being lazy causes as much disruption as sabotage. Projects, property, and even relationships can be damaged equally through negligence as they can through some deliberate act. In practical ways, this describes someone who fails to maintain a machine, or a building, which eventually causes it to fail. That failure can be just as sudden, and just as harmful, as if the machine or building were deliberately attacked. Carelessness or apathy in a relationship might lead to just as much hurt as deliberate spite.

A person who is lazy on the job robs his employer. Worse, they forget that work should be performed to the glory of God. Colossians 3:17 exhorts, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Also, the same passage teaches workers to obey their earthly masters, "not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:22–23).

The practice of faithfulness applies also to one's Christian service. Instead of slacking off his labor for the Lord, a believer should be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

This segment of Solomon's wise sayings includes several well-known and often-repeated remarks. Among these are references to God's "name" as a place of safety, the connection between pride and catastrophe, the value of a godly spouse, and the intimate loyalty of a good friend. As in other parts of the book of Proverbs, these teachings are tied to warnings about the consequences of poor decisions.

Chapter 18 continues a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon. These began in chapter 10 and will continue through chapter 22. This section contains numerous references to fair-mindedness and seeking out truth from multiple sources. Diligent responsibility—in words, actions, and beliefs—is a notable emphasis in this segment.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.