Proverbs 18:9

9 A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.

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 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Proverbs 18:9 In-Context

7 A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

9 A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.

10 The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.

11 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.