What does Proverbs 26:14 mean?
"As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed." - Proverbs 26:14
Proverbs 26:14 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed." This verse is part of the Book of Proverbs, which is known for its practical wisdom and advice on living a righteous and fulfilling life. This specific verse addresses the issue of laziness and its consequences.
The imagery used in this verse is a door turning on its hinges. Just as a door moves back and forth on its hinges without accomplishing anything, so too does a lazy person move back and forth on their bed without accomplishing anything. The comparison highlights the futility of laziness and serves as a warning against the dangers of slothfulness.
The theme of laziness and its consequences is a common one throughout the Book of Proverbs. In Proverbs 6:6-11, the author advises the reader to consider the ways of the ant, who works diligently and prepares for the future, unlike the lazy person who suffers poverty and want. Similarly, Proverbs 10:4-5 compares the diligent worker, who will prosper, with the lazy person, who will come to poverty.
The context of Proverbs 26:14 is important for understanding its significance. The book of Proverbs was traditionally attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom in the Bible. This verse would have been written for the benefit of his son or other young people, to impart important lessons about how to live a righteous and successful life. The warning against laziness would have been particularly relevant in an agrarian society, where hard work and diligence were necessary for survival.
The symbolism in this verse is powerful and evocative. The image of a door turning on its hinges conveys the idea of aimless movement, going back and forth without making any progress. This is a striking parallel to the behavior of a lazy person, who may appear to be active but ultimately accomplishes nothing. The bed is also symbolic of complacency and comfort, suggesting that the lazy person is content to remain in a state of idleness rather than actively pursuing their goals.
In a broader sense, Proverbs 26:14 can be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of complacency and the importance of taking initiative and working diligently. It encourages the reader to be mindful of their actions and to avoid the trap of laziness, which can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Overall, Proverbs 26:14 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work and diligent effort. It warns against the pitfalls of laziness and encourages the reader to be proactive and purposeful in their actions. The imagery and symbolism used in this verse make it a vivid and memorable piece of wisdom, with a timeless message that is still relevant today.
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Proverbs 26:14 Artwork
Proverbs 26:14 - "As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed."
"As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed." - Proverbs 26:14
Proverbs 26:14-16 - "As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly."
"As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly." - Proverbs 26:14-16
Proverbs 14:26 - "In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge."
"In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge." - Proverbs 14:26
Proverbs 7:26
Proverbs 26:26 - "Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation."
Proverbs 7:26-27
Proverbs 30:26 - "The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;"
Proverbs 27:26 - "The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field."
Proverbs 26:18 - "As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,"
Proverbs 26:7 - "The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools."
Proverbs 26:3 - "A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back."
Proverbs 26:13 - "The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets."
Proverbs 15:26 - "The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words."
Proverbs 16:26 - "He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him."
Proverbs 20:26 - "A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them."
Proverbs 26:1 - "As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool."
Proverbs 26:22 - "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
Proverbs 22:26 - "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts."
Proverbs 17:26 - "Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity."
Proverbs 26:28 - "A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."
Proverbs 4:26 - "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established."
Proverbs 24:26 - "Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer."
Proverbs 26:8 - "As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool."
Proverbs 26:23 - "Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross."
Proverbs 31:26 - "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Proverbs 26:2 - "As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come."
Proverbs 21:26 - "He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not."