Proverbs 6:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?

NIV: How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?

NASB: How long will you lie down, you lazy one? When will you arise from your sleep?

CSB: How long will you stay in bed, you slacker? When will you get up from your sleep?

NLT: But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up?

KJV: How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

NKJV: How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?

Although the right amount of sleep can be beneficial physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, too much sleep can be harmful if it detracts from work. There is a difference between reasonable self-care and being irresponsible. Proverbs 19:15 states: "Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep." The imagery here is similar to modern cartoons and comedies, where laziness is usually represented by a person napping, nodding off, or refusing to get out of bed. In a similar way, Proverbs 20:13 warns, "Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty."

Solomon's comments are echoed in a song, Lazybones, by Hoagy Carmichael. It asks, "Lazybones, sleepin' in the sun…how you 'spect to get your day's work done? You can't get your day's work done…sleepin' in the noonday sun."

In his letter to the Romans, Paul calls upon those who are asleep spiritually to wake up, because the day of redemption is approaching quickly (Romans 13:11). In other words, it is not time to sleep—to be unaware, unmoving, and inactive; it is time to serve the Lord.

Proverbs 6:6–11 turns Solomon's attention to the subject of laziness. The term translated here as "sluggard" or "slacker" implies something more than being unmotivated; it also includes irresponsibility and laziness. Such persons put themselves at risk of ruin. Even if they can get by, in the present, a lack of preparation means they will not survive a crisis. In contrast, Solomon suggests the example of the ant: a creature who works diligently and is therefore able to endure harder times.

This chapter provides teaching on two aspects of wealth management. The first is avoiding putting one's property in debt for the sake of some other person's risky investment. The other warns against laziness, indicating that it puts a person at risk for sudden ruin. Solomon then poetically explains attitudes and actions which God finds especially repulsive. Next, Solomon returns to the subject of adultery. He reiterates the inherent risks of sexual immorality, including the catastrophic consequences which it brings. That lesson continues into the following chapter.

This chapter of Proverbs continues the wise sayings Solomon addresses to his son. In chapter 5 he addresses adultery and marriage. In this chapter he addresses financial matters, work ethics, characteristics and conduct the Lord despises, and sexual immorality. A common theme of these lessons is to avoid the natural consequences of foolish choices. The next chapter describes the adulteress's ways and the pitfalls involved in committing adultery with her.

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 4/28/2024 5:46:55 PM