Proverbs 24:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

NIV: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—

NASB: 'A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,'

CSB: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest,

NLT: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest —

KJV: Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

NKJV: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest;

The godly wisdom presented in the book of proverbs warns about the dangers of laziness. This is sometimes presented using the imagery of sleeping: implying those who lay in bed rather than getting up and doing their work (Proverbs 6:9–11; 10:5; 19:15). According to Solomon, one way to lose everything while gaining nothing is to get comfortable with laziness.

Scripture does not endorse the "workaholic" attitude: the person who rejects rest and self-care in a misguided effort to be responsible (Psalm 3:5; Proverbs 3:24; 19:23). However, the Bible clearly states that choosing not to work, at all, or to be lazy, are both sinful. Many people would prefer to stay in bed a little longer in the morning than to go to work, but a sense of responsibility to pay the bills and keep a roof over their heads motivates them to "rise and shine." A proper amount of sleep prepares a person for work, but too much sleep makes him indolent and unwilling to work. Proverbs 20:13 warns: "Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread."

There is a spiritual component to our need for an excellent work ethic. We have work to do fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20); we should be alert to that task instead of "sleeping" on the job. Romans 13:11 counsels, "Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed."

This statement is identical to Proverbs 6:10.

Proverbs 24:23–34 comes after a list of thirty wise teachings; these were recorded by Solomon while not necessarily being his own ideas. The wisdom which concludes this chapter is cited with less clarity, other than being attributed to wise speakers. These address discrimination, rebuke of the wicked, honesty, wise planning, revenge, and the consequences of laziness.

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

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.