Old Testament
Proverbs 19:24
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse from Proverbs highlights the behavior of a lazy person.
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
A lazy person hides his hand in his bosom and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse from Proverbs highlights the behavior of a lazy person. It uses the imagery of someone who is so unwilling to work that they won't even lift their hand to feed themselves. The act of hiding one's hand in their bosom symbolizes a refusal to take action or make an effort. This laziness leads to a lack of productivity and ultimately to hunger or need. The verse serves as a warning against the dangers of slothfulness, emphasizing that inactivity can have serious consequences. It suggests that one must be diligent and proactive in their efforts to achieve their goals and meet their needs. In a broader sense, it encourages individuals to take responsibility for their lives and not rely on others to fulfill their basic needs. The underlying message is that hard work and effort are essential for success and well-being, while laziness can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Proverbs 19:24 to your life
To avoid the pitfalls of laziness, set small, achievable goals each day. Break tasks into manageable steps and hold yourself accountable. Remember that consistent effort leads to progress, and taking initiative is key to personal and professional success.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 19:24 mean?
Proverbs 19:24 illustrates the behavior of a lazy person who is so unwilling to work that they won't even lift their hand to feed themselves. It serves as a warning about the consequences of slothfulness and emphasizes the importance of taking action to meet one's needs.
What is the meaning of laziness in Proverbs 19:24?
In Proverbs 19:24, laziness is depicted as a refusal to take action, symbolized by hiding one's hand in the bosom. This behavior leads to unproductiveness and can result in hunger or need, highlighting the importance of diligence.
How does Proverbs 19:24 apply to daily life?
Proverbs 19:24 applies to daily life by reminding us to avoid laziness and take initiative in our tasks. Setting small, achievable goals and holding ourselves accountable can help us stay productive and meet our responsibilities.
What lessons can we learn from Proverbs 19:24?
From Proverbs 19:24, we learn that inactivity can lead to missed opportunities and unmet needs. The verse teaches the value of hard work and the importance of being self-sufficient in achieving our goals.
The Book of Proverbs
Proverbs 1: The Beginning of Knowledge
These are the proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel. They are given to know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, and to receive instruction in wise behavior, justice, judgment, and fairness. They are written to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young. A wise person hears and increases learning, and a person of understanding gains wise counsel. The fear of the LORD is stated as the beginning of knowledge, while fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Unlock the full Proverbs summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Proverbs — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 31 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Proverbs summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.