Proverbs 21:25

25 The desire of a lazy person will kill him because his hands refuse to work.

Proverbs 21:25 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:25

The desire of the slothful killeth him
His desire after food and raiment, and riches; for because he cannot have what he desires, being unwilling to work for them, it frets and vexes him to death, or puts him upon unlawful methods to obtain them, which bring him to a shameful death; see ( Proverbs 13:4 ) ; for his hands refuse to labour;
when he is ordered by his superiors, or his wants are such as call for labour; and he seems to be willing and desirous of it, necessity obliging to it, yet he cannot bring his hands to it; these do in effect say, as Aben Ezra observes, Thou shall not do it. Maimonides says this is to be understood of sloth in seeking wisdom {h}.

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FOOTNOTES:

F8 Moreh Nevochim, par. 1. c. 34. p. 47.

Proverbs 21:25 In-Context

23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

24 An arrogant, conceited person is called a mocker. His arrogance knows no limits.

25 The desire of a lazy person will kill him because his hands refuse to work.

26 All day long he feels greedy, but a righteous person gives and does not hold back.

27 The sacrifice of wicked people is disgusting, especially if they bring it with evil intent.