Proverbs 18 9

Proverbs 18:9 kjv

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 18:9 nkjv

He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

Proverbs 18:9 niv

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

Proverbs 18:9 esv

Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

Proverbs 18:9 nlt

A lazy person is as bad as
someone who destroys things.

Proverbs 18 verses

Proverbs 18 9 Meaning

Proverbs 18:9 teaches a profound truth regarding diligence and its absence. It reveals that a person who is lax, negligent, or idle in carrying out their assigned tasks or responsibilities is, in terms of outcome and effect, morally equivalent to one who actively destroys. Laziness is not merely passive inaction; it yields consequences akin to deliberate ruin, showing that decay and loss can result as much from neglect as from malicious intent.

Proverbs 18 9 Context

Proverbs 18 is a collection of diverse wisdom sayings, or mashalim, that address various aspects of a godly life, including the power of speech, the importance of good relationships, and the nature of folly versus wisdom. Verse 9 is situated amidst proverbs that contrast wise and foolish behavior, specifically touching on diligence and its opposite.

Historically and culturally, the ancient Israelite society was largely agrarian, and also involved various crafts and trades. In such a context, idleness had direct and severe consequences. A neglected field would yield no harvest, leading to hunger for a family; a neglected structure would collapse, potentially causing injury or loss; a neglected duty could undermine community stability. Diligence was not merely a virtue; it was essential for survival and flourishing. This proverb stands as a polemic against the prevalent human tendency towards ease and shirking responsibility, reinforcing that active destruction and passive neglect can lead to similarly devastating outcomes, especially in a community where each person's contribution was vital.

Proverbs 18 9 Word analysis

• He also who is slack: (הִתְרַפֶּה - hithrappeh) From the Hebrew root רָפָה (raphah), meaning "to slacken, relax, let go, grow weak." The Hithpael stem (reflexive-reciprocal) implies an internal letting go or a conscious allowing oneself to be lazy. It's not merely being tired or physically unable, but rather a disposition of neglect or a loosening of effort. This describes an internal decision or tendency to not apply oneself, to ease up when diligence is required.

• in his work: (בְּמְלַאכְתּוֹ - b'm'lakhtho) From the Hebrew מְלָאכָה (mela'khah), which refers to an occupation, task, business, or crafted work. It encompasses all forms of purposeful activity, whether vocational, domestic, or civic. It highlights that the slackness applies specifically to one's appointed duties or responsibilities, whatever they may be. This is not about being generally inactive, but failing in one's specific call or task.

• is brother to: (אָח - 'ach) This Hebrew idiom is extremely potent. "Brother" here does not denote literal familial kinship but a strong metaphorical bond of shared character, nature, or outcome. It indicates an inherent likeness or a deep association between the one who is slack and the destroyer. It means they are of the same kind or produce the same kind of results. It underscores the severity of the comparison, suggesting an essential equivalence.

• him who is a great destroyer: (לְבַעַל מַשְׁחִית - l'ba'al mashchith)

  • great: The word "great" is often implied by the intensive nature of the Hebrew participle or the context, emphasizing the significant impact.
  • destroyer: (מַשְׁחִית - mashchith) This is the Hiphil participle of the root שָׁחַת (shakhath), meaning "to destroy, ruin, corrupt, spoil, mar." The Hiphil stem indicates active causation, meaning "one who causes ruin or destruction." The "בַּעַל" (ba'al), often translated as "owner" or "master," here functions idiomatically as "one who possesses" or "one characterized by" destruction. So, a "master of destruction" or "one defined by destructive acts." This refers to someone who actively and intentionally causes damage, whether physically, financially, socially, or morally.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "He who is slack in his work": This phrase characterizes the internal disposition of sloth manifesting as practical failure. It captures the essence of negligence, where an individual fails to apply the necessary effort or attention to their responsibilities, leading to a state of deterioration or incompletion.
  • "is brother to him who is a great destroyer": This striking comparison serves as a stark warning. It elevates negligence from a mere character flaw to a force as potent and harmful as deliberate ruin. It means the outcomes are similar: neglect ultimately causes a form of decay and loss that mirrors the effect of active devastation. The "great" emphasizes that the destruction can be widespread or severe, even if stemming from a subtle, internal lack of effort.

Proverbs 18 9 Bonus section

The profound equivalence drawn in Proverbs 18:9 highlights a key theological concept: that evil is not just about actively doing bad things, but also about the failure to do good (sins of omission). This aligns with biblical teachings on stewardship, where those who fail to use their entrusted resources or talents are held accountable (e.g., the parable of the talents). Sloth is often seen in Scripture as a root sin that can lead to other vices, as it creates a vacuum of purpose and engagement, making one vulnerable to temptation and unproductive uses of time. The "great destroyer" could also evoke spiritual destroyers, like the adversary who seeks to ruin, and warns that by our slackness, we inadvertently become aligned with such destructive forces by yielding similar results.

Proverbs 18 9 Commentary

Proverbs 18:9 powerfully equates the negligence of an idle person with the active malevolence of a destroyer. This truth challenges the common human tendency to perceive inaction as benign or less culpable than direct harm. The proverb teaches that failing to build, maintain, or cultivate effectively leads to a state of ruin as certainly as a malicious act of demolition. This principle applies universally:

• In one's calling, neglect of duty can lead to systemic failure.
• In personal character, neglecting spiritual disciplines or moral responsibilities results in spiritual decay and weakness.
• In relationships, ignoring a loved one's needs or neglecting communication can cause a relationship to crumble as surely as direct conflict.
• In stewardship of God-given resources, whether time, talents, or finances, idleness leads to wasted potential and lack of fruitfulness.

The verse is a strong call to accountability and diligence, emphasizing that responsibility requires consistent effort and that passive allowance of decline is a form of destruction. It reinforces the biblical ethic that diligence in every sphere of life is a moral imperative with tangible consequences, honoring God and contributing to human flourishing.