Whoever is slothful in his work
This phrase highlights the importance of diligence and responsibility in one's duties. In biblical times, work was often tied to survival, whether through agriculture, trade, or craftsmanship. The slothful, or lazy, person neglects these responsibilities, which can lead to poverty and hardship. Proverbs frequently contrasts the diligent with the lazy, emphasizing that hard work leads to prosperity (Proverbs 10:4). The cultural context of ancient Israel valued industriousness, as seen in the example of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, who is praised for her hard work and resourcefulness.

is brother to him who destroys
This part of the verse draws a parallel between laziness and destruction. In the Hebrew culture, being a "brother" implies a close relationship or similarity. The slothful person, by neglecting their duties, indirectly causes harm and chaos, akin to someone who actively destroys. This connection underscores the idea that inaction can be as damaging as harmful actions. Theologically, this can be linked to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, where the servant who does nothing with his talent is condemned. The concept of destruction here can also be seen as a spiritual warning, as laziness can lead to moral and spiritual decay, distancing one from God's purposes.

1. The Slothful Person
This individual is characterized by laziness or a lack of diligence in their work. In the context of Proverbs, this person is often contrasted with the diligent and wise.

2. The Destroyer
This person actively causes harm or ruin. In this proverb, the slothful person is likened to the destroyer, suggesting that neglect and laziness can be as damaging as intentional destruction.

3. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.The Consequences of Slothfulness
Slothfulness is not a neutral state; it leads to destruction and ruin, both personally and in the community.

The Value of Diligence
Diligence in work is a virtue that reflects God's character and leads to prosperity and stability.

Spiritual Implications
Laziness in spiritual matters, such as prayer and Bible study, can lead to spiritual decay and distance from God.

Community Impact
Our work ethic affects not only ourselves but also those around us. Being diligent contributes positively to our families, workplaces, and communities.

Personal Responsibility
Each individual is responsible for their work ethic and must strive to avoid the pitfalls of laziness.1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 18:9?

2. How does Proverbs 18:9 define laziness in relation to destruction and productivity?

3. What practical steps can we take to avoid being "brothers to destruction"?

4. How does Proverbs 18:9 connect with the parable of the talents in Matthew?

5. In what ways can we encourage diligence in our church community?

6. How can Proverbs 18:9 guide our work ethic in daily life?

7. How does Proverbs 18:9 define laziness as destructive behavior?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 18:9?

9. How does Proverbs 18:9 relate to modern work ethics?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18?

11. What are the seven deadly sins?

12. What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?

13. Proverbs 18:19: How does 'an offended brother' being harder to win back than a fortified city align with the Bible's emphasis on immediate forgiveness?

14. How does Proverbs 12:21, declaring no harm befalls the righteous, hold up when many faithful people throughout biblical and modern times have endured great suffering and tragedy?Whoever

• This opening word sweeps every person into view. God’s wisdom in Proverbs 18:9 addresses all humanity, not a niche group.

• Romans 3:23 reminds us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No one can shrug off the warning by claiming exemption.

• The verse invites honest self-examination: “Is my daily work marked by diligence that honors the Lord, or by attitudes that quietly erode what He entrusts to me?”

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is slothful in his work

• “Slothful” points to a heart posture, not merely a lack of motion. A person may be busy yet spiritually lazy, cutting corners or postponing duty.

• Proverbs 6:6-8 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard… it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest,” showing how creation itself rebukes idleness.

• Ecclesiastes 9:10 urges, “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might,” while Colossians 3:23 echoes, “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” Work done half-heartedly ignores the Lord’s ownership of our time, skills, and opportunities.

• 2 Thessalonians 3:10 lays out practical consequence: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” God ties provisions to responsibility.

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is brother to him who destroys

• Scripture links the lazy person to a “brother” whose actions actively ruin. The parallel is startling: neglect and violence share family resemblance.

• Jesus described the unprofitable servant as “wicked, lazy” (Matthew 25:26-30). Doing nothing with God-given resources led to severe loss—on par with outright waste.

• James 4:17 clarifies, “Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.” Passive failure is still destructive because needs go unmet, opportunities die, and others must shoulder the abandoned load.

• Proverbs 10:4 adds, “Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Where sloth settles, poverty and disorder soon follow.

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summary

Neglect is not a neutral choice. Proverbs 18:9 levels the playing field by showing that laziness shares kinship with outright destruction. God calls every believer—“whoever”—to mirror His faithful diligence, approaching each task with wholehearted stewardship. By rejecting sloth and embracing industrious obedience, we guard His gifts, bless others, and honor the One who worked six days and then rested, joyfully declaring all He made “very good.”

(9) He also that is slothful in his work.--Whatsoever it may be that is committed to his care, is "brother to him that is a great waster," or "destroyer "; neglect of duty causes almost as much mischief in life as active wickedness.

Verse 9. - He also that is slothful (slack) in his work. A man that does his work in some sort, but not heartily and diligently, as one who knows that labour is not only a duty and necessity, but a means of sanctification, a training for a higher life. Is brother to him that is a great waster; a destroyer. "Brother" is used as "companion" in Proverbs 28:24 (comp. Job 30:29), for one of like attributes and tendencies; as we say, "next door to;" and the destroyer is, as Nowack says, not merely one who wastes his property by reckless expenditure, but one who delights in such destruction, finds a morbid pleasure in haves and ruin. So the maxim asserts that remissness in duty is as mischievous as actual destructiveness. "An idle brain," say the Italians, "is the devil's workshop." The word rendered "great" is baal (Proverbs 1:19), "owner," patrono (Montanus), domino (Vatablus); and, taking this sense, according to Wordsworth and others, the sentence implies that the servant who is slothful is brother to a master who is a prodigal. But the interpretation given above is best founded. The LXX., reading מתרפא instead of, מתרפה, renders, "He who healeth not (ὁ μὴ ἰώμενος) himself in his works is brother to him who destroyeth himself." Maxims concerning laziness are found in other places; e.g. Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:11, 24; Proverbs 23:21.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Whoever
גַּ֭ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

is slothful
מִתְרַפֶּ֣ה (miṯ·rap·peh)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7503: Sink, relax

in his work
בִמְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ (ḇim·laḵ·tōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

is brother
אָ֥ח (’āḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

to him
לְבַ֣עַל (lə·ḇa·‘al)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner

who destroys.
מַשְׁחִֽית׃ (maš·ḥîṯ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:9 One who is slack in his work (Prov. Pro Pr)