Proverbs 18:9

9 He that is nesh, and dissolute, either unsteadfast, in his work, is the brother of a man destroying his works.

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 The mouth of a fool is [the] defouling of him; and his lips be the falling of his soul.
8 The words of a double-tongued man be as simple; and they come unto the inner things of the womb. Dread casteth down a slow man; forsooth the souls of men turned into women's condition shall have hunger. (A gossip's words be tasty; and they go down into the innermost parts. Fear casteth down the lazy; and those who be timid shall have hunger.)
9 He that is nesh, and dissolute, either unsteadfast, in his work, is the brother of a man destroying his works.
10 A full strong tower is the name of the Lord; a just man runneth to him, and [he] shall be enhanced. (The Lord's name is a full strong tower; the righteous run to it, and they shall be safe.)
11 The chattel of a rich man is the city of his strength; and as a strong wall compassing him. (A rich person's possessions is the city of his strength; and they be like a strong wall surrounding him, or so he thinketh.)
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.