Proverbs 22:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”

NIV: The sluggard says, 'There's a lion outside! I'll be killed in the public square!'

NASB: The lazy one says, 'There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!'

CSB: The slacker says, "There's a lion outside! I'll be killed in the public square! "

NLT: The lazy person claims, 'There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!'

KJV: The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

NKJV: The lazy man says, “ There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!”

The book of Proverbs contains many indictments of laziness (Proverbs 6:6–11; 12:24; 18:9; 19:15). Here, Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) notes the absurd lengths to which some people go to excuse their lack of effort. In this context, the person is trying to justify lack of work as if it's not only reasonable, but also more sensible than working. The suggestion that a lion might be lurking in city streets is meant to come across as exaggerated and silly. A modern equivalent might be a healthy person who claims it's better not to work, so they won't be at risk of a traffic accident…or being mauled by a tiger.

This example is deliberately extreme. Yet even less-dramatic pretexts can be just as unfair and unreasonable. Even if the excuse is attached to some measure of truth—such as fear of embarrassment or distaste for a task—it is still an unreasonable excuse for refusing to meet one's obligations. There are countless variations of excuses given by those who can work, but do not work, as they try to evade shame. Christians should be as supportive as possible of those legitimately prevented from earning a living (James 2:15–17; Proverbs 29:7) but should not humor those who are simply lazy (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Proverbs 22:1–16 dispenses practical advice about gaining a good reputation, avoiding danger, setting children on a good path, finances, pure living, and the Lord's watchfulness and judgment. These verses also speak on the absurdity of laziness, the danger of evil words, and the sin of oppressing the poor. This completes an extensive list of wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1) attributed to Solomon.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

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.