Old Testament
Proverbs 15:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The way of the slothful is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the righteous is made plain.
Compare translations
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
What Proverbs 15:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse contrasts two types of people: the slothful and the righteous. The slothful, or lazy person, finds their path filled with obstacles, much like a hedge of thorns that makes it difficult to move forward. Their lack of effort leads to complications and struggles. In contrast, the righteous, who live with integrity and diligence, find their path clear and straightforward. Their commitment to doing what is right allows them to navigate life more easily. This verse encourages us to consider our choices and work ethic, suggesting that diligence leads to a smoother journey in life, while laziness results in unnecessary difficulties.
How to apply Proverbs 15:19 to your life
To apply this verse, reflect on your daily habits and work ethic. Are you being diligent in your responsibilities, or are you allowing laziness to hinder your progress? Strive to be proactive and make choices that align with righteousness, leading to a clearer and more fulfilling path in life.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 15:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 15:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 15:19 mean?
Proverbs 15:19 contrasts the paths of the lazy and the righteous. It suggests that laziness leads to a life filled with obstacles, while living righteously results in a clearer, more straightforward journey.
What is the meaning of 'slothful' in Proverbs 15:19?
In Proverbs 15:19, 'slothful' refers to a person who is lazy or unwilling to put in effort. This laziness creates difficulties in their life, making their path challenging and thorny.
How can I apply Proverbs 15:19 to my life?
To apply Proverbs 15:19, evaluate your work habits and strive to be diligent in your responsibilities. By making proactive choices and living righteously, you can create a clearer path for yourself.
What themes are present in Proverbs 15:19?
Proverbs 15:19 presents themes of diligence versus laziness, the importance of righteousness, and the idea that our choices have consequences. It encourages reflection on how our actions shape our life's journey.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.