Proverbs 19:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Laziness leads to deeper idleness; the idle grow weak and hungry.
The Context of Proverbs 19:15
Laziness creates a cycle of deepening idleness and deprivation.
What Does Proverbs 19:15 Mean?
Slothfulness doesn't simply mean taking a nap; it throws a person into 'deep sleep,' a kind of spiritual and practical lethargy. The longer someone remains idle, the harder it becomes to rouse themselves to action. The pattern is self-reinforcing: sloth breeds more sloth, desire weakens, and the inertia deepens. This 'deep sleep' becomes a trap.
The consequence is hunger—literal deprivation that comes from not working, not planting, not providing. The idle soul, one living without purpose or effort, gradually loses the strength and habit required even to survive. The verse warns that idleness is not rest; it is a descent into loss and want. Proverbs consistently calls the reader to engagement, effort, and productive living.
Proverbs 19:15 in the Original Language
Atzel (עָצֵל), 'slothful' — sluggish, reluctant to work; someone who avoids effort and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 19:15
What does Proverbs 19:15 mean?
Laziness leads to deeper idleness; the idle grow weak and hungry.
What is the context of Proverbs 19:15?
Laziness creates a cycle of deepening idleness and deprivation.