Proverbs 18:9

9 Whoever is slack in his work is a 1brother to him who destroys.

Proverbs 18:9 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:9

He also that is slothful in his work
Remiss in it; hangs down his hands, and does not care to make use of them, but neglects his business: is brother to him that is a great waster:
a prodigal man, who spends his substance in riotous living: the sluggard and the prodigal are brethren in iniquity; for, though they take different courses, they are both sinful, and issue in the same manner; both bring to poverty and want. Or, "brother to a master that wastes" F16; a slothful servant and a wasteful master are near akin, and come into the same class and circumstances. Jarchi interprets it,

``he that separateth from the law, though a disciple of a wise man, is a brother to Satan;''
whose name is Apollyon, the waster and destroyer. A man that is slothful in spiritual things, though a professor of religion, and has a place in the house of God, is brother to him that is a waster and persecutor of it; see ( Matthew 12:30 ) .
FOOTNOTES:

F16 (tyxvm lebl) "domino devaststionis", Gejerus; "domino dissipanti", Mercerus.

Proverbs 18:9 In-Context

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

Cross References 1

  • 1. [Proverbs 28:24]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.