Proverbs 21:25

25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their 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 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.

25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.

26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!

27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.