Proverbs 26:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.

NIV: As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.

NASB: As the door turns on its hinges, So does a lazy one on his bed.

CSB: A door turns on its hinges, and a slacker, on his bed.

NLT: As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed.

KJV: As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

NKJV: As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed.

A door can swing back and forth on its hinges, but it never goes anywhere. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) makes the same comment about the lazy person who lies in bed all day. They repeat the motion of turning over, without leaving their place, much like a hinged door.

Although sleep is beneficial, too much sleep can be detrimental. Psalm 4:8 attributes sleep to the Lord's safekeeping of the psalmist. The psalmist writes: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 127:2 sees a good night's rest as a gift from the Lord, but Proverbs 20:13 warns against too much sleep. It says flatly, "Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread." There is a time to sleep and a time to work.

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.

Accessed 5/6/2024 2:44:10 PM