Proverbs 26:15
“The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.”
Proverbs 26:15 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
- DRADouay–Rheims
- The slothful hideth his hand under his armpit, and it grieveth him to turn it to his mouth.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.
- DARBYDarby
- The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish: it wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- The slothful hath hid his hand in a dish, He is weary of bringing it back to his mouth.
- BPVBiblePics Version
- The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it troubles him to bring it back to his mouth.
Context: Proverbs 26
13The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
15The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
About Proverbs 26: The Folly of Fools and the Wisdom of the Wise

Proverbs 26 is a collection of scattered wisdom sayings that address the topic of foolishness and wisdom. The chapter highlights the destructive nature of fools and the benefits of living wisely. The verses offer practical advice on dealing with fools and avoiding their foolishness.
Commentary
The chapter starts with a warning against the foolishness of people who are undeserving of honor, followed by a comparison of a lazy person to a door that turns on its hinges. The chapter also speaks on the trouble that ensues when fools are trusted to carry out responsibilities. It also warns against the harm of gossip and lying, which can lead to unnecessary conflicts and ruin relationships. Furthermore, the chapter encourages self-reflection, reminding us of the important difference between constructive criticism and unhelpful negative comments. Overall, Proverbs 26 teaches us to be wise and discerning in our daily interactions so that we can avoid the pitfalls of foolishness.