Proverbs 15:19 kjv

The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

Proverbs 15:19 nkjv

The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.

Proverbs 15:19 niv

The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Proverbs 15:19 esv

The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

Proverbs 15:19 nlt

A lazy person's way is blocked with briers,
but the path of the upright is an open highway.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 19 Meaning

Proverbs 15:19 conveys a stark contrast between two distinct ways of living and their respective outcomes. The path of the slothful is depicted as being perpetually hindered and fraught with self-imposed difficulties, akin to navigating a dense, thorny hedge. This implies a life characterized by inertia, excuses, and an inability to progress, resulting in frustration and unfulfillment. Conversely, the way of the upright is described as being made clear and unobstructed. This signifies a life of integrity, diligence, and obedience to God, which, by divine providence and righteous action, experiences clarity, ease of movement, and successful navigation through life's challenges. The verse underscores that one's character and choices directly determine the nature of their life's journey.

Proverbs 15 19 Context

Proverbs 15 is a chapter rich in wisdom contrasting the wise with the foolish, the righteous with the wicked, and the diligent with the slothful. It largely employs antithetical parallelism, presenting two opposing truths or outcomes to highlight the consequences of different moral and practical choices. Within this context, Proverbs 15:19 functions as a vivid illustration of this core theme, focusing specifically on the outcome of slothfulness versus uprightness.

Historically and culturally, a "hedge of thorns" was a familiar obstacle in ancient Near Eastern agricultural and travel settings, indicating an unkempt field or an impassable barrier. Clearing a path (making it "plain") often involved significant effort to remove brush, rocks, or uneven terrain, creating a visible and usable road or thoroughfare. The verse thus speaks to a practical reality that the original audience would have readily understood, linking their daily experiences of land management and travel to deeper moral and spiritual truths about the journey of life. The emphasis is on character shaping experience – a lazy character leads to self-inflicted difficulties, while a diligent, righteous character leads to clarity and unobstructed progress, often through divine assistance.

Proverbs 15 19 Word Analysis

• The way (Hebrew: דֶּרֶךְ, derekh): Signifies a path, road, or journey. Metaphorically, it refers to one's manner of life, conduct, or destiny. In this context, it embodies the life journey or course of action taken.
• of the slothful (Hebrew: עָצֵל, atsel): Describes someone lazy, sluggish, or indolent. This isn't merely physical inactivity but a deep-seated disinclination to exert effort, to plan, or to overcome obstacles. Their inactivity leads to stagnant and difficult progress.
• is as an hedge (Hebrew: כְּחֶדֶק, k-chedeq): The prefix k- means "like" or "as." Chedeq refers to a thorny plant, a briar, or a thorny thicket. This imagery vividly portrays a dense, impassable, and painful barrier. It signifies an overwhelming difficulty or obstruction, which for the slothful person, is often self-imposed or exaggerated in their perception.
• but the way (Hebrew: וְאֹרַח, v'orach): V- is "and" or "but," indicating a strong contrast. Orach is another word for path or road, often used interchangeably with derekh, but can sometimes emphasize the specific steps or habitual course taken.
• of the upright (Hebrew: יְשָׁרִים, yesharim): The plural of yashar, meaning "straight," "right," "just," "level," or "honest." This refers to those who live with integrity, fairness, and adherence to God's commands. Their character is sound and consistent with wisdom.
• is made plain (Hebrew: סָלַל, salal): This verb means "to cast up," "to raise," or "to level." In the context of a path, it signifies preparing a highway, clearing obstacles, or making a path smooth and passable. It implies intentional effort to make passage easy. This "plainness" suggests ease, clarity, and unhindered progress, often seen as a divine blessing and result of a life of obedience and diligence.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The way of the slothful": This phrase encapsulates the entire trajectory and manner of life for someone characterized by laziness. Their fundamental approach to life is one of inaction and avoidance.
• "is as an hedge of thorns": This metaphor illustrates the painful and impeding nature of the slothful person's existence. The "hedge" suggests a self-constructed or self-perceived barrier, while "thorns" convey discomfort and difficulty at every turn. It is not necessarily that actual thorns appear, but that their inaction makes even simple tasks seem insurmountable or full of complications.
• "but the way of the upright": This is a direct, antithetical comparison, highlighting that a life lived with moral integrity and diligence fundamentally contrasts with that of the slothful. It points to a distinct character and the resultant positive journey.
• "is made plain": This phrase conveys effortless and unimpeded progress. The path isn't inherently free of obstacles, but for the upright, it is "made" or cleared, implying divine assistance or the practical outcome of diligent living where hindrances are actively removed or do not materialize. This contrasts sharply with the "thorny hedge," emphasizing the ease and clarity of the upright person's journey.

Proverbs 15 19 Bonus Section

The Hebrew word for "plain" (סָלַל, salal) can also imply an "elevated" path or a "highway" specifically prepared for travel, even cast up over difficult terrain. This reinforces the idea that the "plain" way is not merely a default absence of obstacles, but a deliberately constructed or divinely established route that is superior and more direct than usual paths. This implies both God's active involvement in clearing and elevating the path for the righteous and the consistent effort of the upright in staying on such a disciplined course. The contrast with the low, choked, and impenetrable "hedge" becomes even more pronounced. The "hedge of thorns" can also signify entanglement and entrapment, illustrating how the slothful person is not just hindered, but utterly snared by their own inaction. Their unwillingness to step out means they never truly begin their journey, remaining perpetually fenced in by imagined difficulties or neglected responsibilities.

Proverbs 15 19 Commentary

Proverbs 15:19 beautifully captures the truth that our character directly dictates our experience of life. The "hedge of thorns" for the slothful is often less about external impediments and more about internal resistance. The lazy person's mind invents obstacles ("a lion in the road!" Prov 26:13), exaggerates difficulties, and finds countless excuses to avoid exertion or responsibility. Their path becomes blocked because they refuse to clear it or even begin, trapping themselves in a self-inflicted cycle of frustration and missed opportunities. Their desires go unfulfilled, and potential remains untapped.

In stark contrast, the "way of the upright" is made plain. This is not to say that the righteous never encounter challenges; life naturally presents obstacles for everyone. However, for those who walk in integrity and diligence, there is a fundamental difference:

1. Diligence: They confront challenges directly, putting in the necessary effort to overcome them, clearing their own path.
2. Divine Providence: God Himself is at work, guiding their steps and smoothing their way (Prov 3:6, Isa 26:7). The Lord guards the paths of the just (Prov 2:8) and ensures their way is straightforward, even through trials.
3. Clarity of Purpose: The upright person often has a clearer moral compass, enabling decisive and efficient action, reducing indecision which can create self-made thorns for others.

Thus, the verse serves as a profound reminder that personal responsibility, paired with righteous living, leads to a life of flow and divine favor. Conversely, an undisciplined, lazy character constructs its own thorny maze.

Practical Examples:

• A student who procrastinates, viewing every assignment as a daunting, insurmountable obstacle (thorny hedge), versus one who diligently plans and executes their studies, finding the learning process smooth and rewarding (plain path).
• Someone with financial struggles who blames external circumstances and avoids budgeting or seeking help (thorny hedge), compared to an individual who prudently manages their resources and diligently works towards financial stability (plain path).