Old Testament
Proverbs 26:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse uses the imagery of a door swinging on its hinges to illustrate 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
As a door turns on its hinges, so does the slothful person on his bed.
As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse uses the imagery of a door swinging on its hinges to illustrate the behavior of a lazy person. Just as a door moves back and forth without making any real progress, a slothful individual lies in bed, avoiding work and responsibility. The comparison highlights the futility of their actions; they may appear to be moving, but they are not advancing toward any goals. This laziness can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The verse serves as a reminder that, like a door that only swings in place, a person who is slothful will not achieve anything meaningful if they do not take action. It emphasizes the importance of diligence and the need to be proactive in life rather than succumbing to inertia and complacency. Explore related perseverance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Proverbs 26:14 to your life
To combat laziness, set small, achievable goals each day. Create a routine that encourages productivity and accountability. Remember that taking even small steps can lead to significant progress over time. Avoid the temptation to procrastinate and instead focus on completing tasks promptly.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 26:14 mean?
Proverbs 26:14 compares a lazy person to a door that swings on its hinges, illustrating how they move without making progress. It highlights the futility of their inaction and the consequences of avoiding work and responsibility.
What is the meaning of slothful in Proverbs 26:14?
In Proverbs 26:14, 'slothful' refers to a person who is lazy and avoids effort. The verse emphasizes that just like a door that only swings back and forth, a slothful person does not achieve anything meaningful.
How can I apply Proverbs 26:14 to my life?
To apply Proverbs 26:14, focus on setting small, achievable goals each day to combat laziness. Establish a routine that promotes productivity and accountability to ensure you are making progress rather than remaining stagnant.
What themes are present in Proverbs 26:14?
The themes in Proverbs 26:14 include laziness, inaction, futility, diligence, and responsibility. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being proactive and avoiding complacency.
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.
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