Proverbs 26:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!”

NIV: A sluggard says, 'There's a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!'

NASB: A lazy one says, 'There is a lion on the road! A lion is in the public square!'

CSB: The slacker says, "There's a lion in the road -- a lion in the public square! "

NLT: The lazy person claims, 'There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!'

KJV: The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

NKJV: The lazy man says, “ There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!”

This lesson starts a section focused on the idea of laziness. A "sluggard" is someone characterized by idleness, indifference, or lack of energy. This is almost identical to the statement made in Proverbs 22:13 and follows the pattern of many other statements in the book (Proverbs 6:6–11; 12:24; 18:9; 19:15).

What's implied here is that the lazy person is inventing ridiculous excuses for not leaving their home to work. Human nature often leads people to justify their sin as if it were the better option. In a modern context, someone might claim they're afraid of being struck by a meteor or kidnapped by an enemy army. Such things are not literally impossible, but clearly not excuses reasonable people would use. Later proverbs make this comment more directly (Proverbs 26:16).

Even when there's a tinge of truth to an excuse, it's still a sin not to meet one's obligations. Excuses meant to deflect shame are countless, when someone could work, but does not want to work. Those who truly cannot work should be supported with love and compassion (James 2:15–17; Proverbs 29:7). Those who are simply lazy should be corrected and not humored; in fact, the Bible says they should not be helped, at all (1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12).

Proverbs 26:13–16 turns to the topic of laziness. The "sluggard" is depicted as reluctant to leave his house, preferring to stay in bed. Using poetic exaggeration, Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) pictures this person as so lifeless that they can't bring their hand out of a dish to eat food. As with those who are arrogant, the lazy person may refuse wisdom, convincing themselves that their way is better.

This chapter includes three main sections. The first repeatedly refers to a "fool," meaning someone lacking godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The second warns against being lazy. The third condemns careless conflict, lying, and warns about those who disguise their hate with words. Several statements in this passage repeat or echo others made in the book of Proverbs.

Chapter 25 introduced another section of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25:1). These were collected by later scribes; the list runs through the end of chapter 29. This chapter covers topics such as foolishness, laziness, and conflict. This echoes principles given in other proverbs.

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.