Proverbs 15:19
Proverbs 15:19 in Multiple Translations
The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway.
Thorns are round the way of the hater of work; but the road of the hard worker becomes a highway.
The way of lazy people is overgrown with thorns, but the path of the good is an open highway.
The way of a slouthfull man is as an hedge of thornes: but the way of the righteous is plaine.
The way of the slothful [is] as a hedge of briers, And the path of the upright is raised up.
The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.
The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
The way of the slothful is as a hedge of thorns; the way of the just is without offence.
Lazy people constantly have difficulties [MET]; it is as though they are walking through thorns; but those who are honest and hard-working will have few difficulties; it is as though they are walking on a level highway [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 15:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
עָ֭צֵל
כִּ/מְשֻׂ֣כַת
חָ֑דֶק
וְ/אֹ֖רַח
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
סְלֻלָֽה
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
עָ֭צֵל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
sluggish
Adj
כִּ/מְשֻׂ֣כַת
mᵉsûwkâh
H4881
hedge
Prep | N-fs
חָ֑דֶק
chêdeq
H2312
briar
N-ms
וְ/אֹ֖רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
Conj | N-cs
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
סְלֻלָֽה
çâlal
H5549
to build
V-Qal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:19
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
עָ֭צֵל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
"sluggish"
Adj
A sluggish person, often called a sluggard, this word describes someone who is habitually lazy or idle, like the slothful person in Proverbs.
Definition: 1) sluggish, lazy 1a) sluggard (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: slothful, sluggard. See also: Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 6:9.
כִּ/מְשֻׂ֣כַת
mᵉsûwkâh
H4881
"hedge"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a hedge, often used to enclose or protect something. It is used in various biblical contexts, including in the book of Micah. The KJV translates it as 'hedge'.
Definition: hedge
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: hedge. See also: Proverbs 15:19; Isaiah 5:5.
חָ֑דֶק
chêdeq
H2312
"briar"
N-ms
This word refers to a thorny plant, like a briar or brier, that grows in the wilderness. It is mentioned in the book of Micah, symbolizing a difficult or challenging situation.
Definition: brier, thorn, prick
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: brier, thorn. See also: Proverbs 15:19; Micah 7:4.
וְ/אֹ֖רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
Conj | N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
סְלֻלָֽה
çâlal
H5549
"to build"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This verb means to build or exalt something, like a road or a song, as seen in Isaiah 57:14 and 62:10 where God commands the Israelites to build a highway for his people. It can also mean to oppose or resist something.
Definition: 1) to lift up, cast up, exalt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cast up a highway 1a2) to cast up a way 1a3) to lift up (of song) 1b) (Pilpel) to exalt, esteem highly, prize 1c) (Hithpoel) to exalt oneself
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: cast up, exalt (self), extol, make plain, raise up. See also: Exodus 9:17; Proverbs 15:19; Psalms 68:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:19
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:19
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
17Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.
19The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 35:8 | And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it— only those who walk in the Way— and fools will not stray onto it. |
| 2 | Proverbs 22:5 | Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them. |
| 3 | Isaiah 30:21 | And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 22:13 | The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!” |
| 5 | Numbers 14:1–3 | Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” |
| 6 | Psalms 27:11 | Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors. |
| 7 | Proverbs 26:13 | The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” |
| 8 | Proverbs 8:9 | They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge. |
| 9 | Numbers 14:7–9 | and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” |
| 10 | Psalms 5:8 | Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. |
Proverbs 15:19 Summary
Proverbs 15:19 teaches us that being lazy and unwilling to put in effort can lead to a life filled with difficulties and obstacles, like a hedge of thorns. On the other hand, living a life of integrity and righteousness can bring a sense of clarity and direction, like a smooth highway. This verse encourages us to be diligent and responsible, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, and to seek to live uprightly, following God's path for our lives, as guided by Psalm 25:4-5. By doing so, we can experience a life of purpose and fulfillment, with God's wisdom and guidance leading the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a slacker in the context of Proverbs 15:19?
In this verse, a slacker refers to someone who is lazy and unwilling to put in effort, as seen in Proverbs 20:4, which says that a slacker will not plow in the autumn due to his laziness, resulting in no harvest.
How does the path of the upright being a highway relate to our spiritual journey?
The idea of a highway in Proverbs 15:19 suggests a clear and direct path, much like the straight path mentioned in Proverbs 21:21, which is a result of having understanding and wisdom, guiding us towards a life of righteousness and closeness to God.
What are the consequences of being a slacker according to this verse?
According to Proverbs 15:19, the way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, implying that it is filled with difficulties and obstacles, whereas the path of the upright is smooth and straightforward, as also seen in Psalm 119:105, which says that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
How can we apply the principles of this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply the principles of Proverbs 15:19 by being diligent and responsible in our work and personal lives, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24, which reminds us to work heartily as unto the Lord, and by seeking to live uprightly and follow God's path for our lives, as guided by Psalm 25:4-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting like a slacker, and how can I change my approach to be more diligent and responsible?
- How can I ensure that I am following the path of the upright, and what steps can I take to stay on this path?
- What are some 'thorns' that I may be experiencing in my life as a result of my own laziness or lack of effort, and how can I overcome them?
- In what ways can I seek wisdom and understanding to guide me on my spiritual journey, and how can I apply this wisdom to my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns,.... Or, "strewed with thorns", as the Septuagint and Arabic versions; the Targum is, "the ways of the slothful are briers and thorns.'' Either
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. The way of the slothful (man is) as an hedge of thorns.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slothful man, the way in which he doth or ought to walk, any good work which he pretends or desires to undertake, is as an hedge of thorns; as a way hedged up with thorns, as it is expressed, , troublesome and perplexed, and full, of such difficulties as he despaireth, and therefore never striveth, to overcome. The way of the righteous, who is always diligent in his calling, which is one branch of righteousness, and therefore is fitly opposed to the slothful, who is joined with the wicked, , and censured as such both in Scripture and heathen authors, because idleness is both in itself a sin, and it leads the way to many other wickednesses. Is made plain; is easy and pleasant to him, notwithstanding all his discouragements and difficulties.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
Proverbs 15:19 The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain.Ver. 19. The way of a slothful man is as a hedge of thorns.] Perplexed and letsome, so that he gets no ground, makes no riddance; he goes as if he were shackled when he is to go upon any good course; so many perils he casts, and so many excuses he makes; this he wants, and that he wants, when in truth it is a heart only that he wants, being woefully hampered and enthralled in the invisible chains of the kingdom of darkness, and driven about by the devil at his pleasure. This will be a bodkin at these men’ s hearts one day, to think I had a price in my hand, but no heart to make use of it; I foolishly held that a little with ease was best, and so "neglected so great salvation," shifting off him that "spake to me from heaven," and pretending some "lion in the way," some ‘ goose at the gate,’ When I was to do anything for my soul’ s health. Never any came to hell, saith one, but had some pretence for their coming thither. But the way of the righteous is made plain.] Or, Is cast up as a causeway, a Gabbatha, a road raised above the rest. There seems to be an illusion to that bank or causeway that went from the king’ s house to the temple; and the sense is, that the godly, by much practice of piety, having gotten a habit, despatch duty with delight, and come off with comfort. Germani dicunt, Anser est in porta. Via strata.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
(19) As a hedge of thorns.—Every difficulty in his path serves as an excuse for inaction (comp. Proverbs 22:13); while the upright man, who does his duty as in the sight of God, goes “from strength to strength” (Psalms 84:7), along the path of life smoothed for him (Isaiah 26:7), performing the “just works” appointed for him to do.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
Verse 19. The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns] Because he is slothful, he imagines ten thousand difficulties in the way which cannot be surmounted; but they are all the creatures of his own imagination, and that imagination is formed by his sloth.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:19
19. a hedge of thorns] which may be either of his own making (Proverbs 24:30-31), or of his own imagining (Proverbs 22:13). made plain] “Heb. raised up as a causey” (archaic form of causeway), A.V. marg.; made a high way, R.V. Comp. Isaiah 57:14; Isaiah 62:10, where the same Heb. word occurs.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:19
The slothful goes on his journey, and for him the path is thick set with thorns, briars, fences, through which he cannot force his way.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:19
19. The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns — That is, seems so to him; a barrier that he cannot get over. Made plain — Rather, is cast up; a plain highway.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On Communion in the Lords Supper. by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of ratifying one's dedication to God through the Ordinance of Baptism by partaking in the Table of the Lord, as a way to express love |
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The Secret to Prayer by Jon Courson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and parading to His will. He references a story from the Bible where King Jehoshaphat and his people faced a g |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 35:8 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck encourages listeners to examine their hearts and lives in light of the Scriptures. He emphasizes the importance of forsaking worldly desires and living |
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God, as an Enemy by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the message shared by another preacher and highlights key points. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children the ways of the Lord and |
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The the Ministry of the Saints—dying to Self by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, Brother Denny begins by expressing his desire for the listeners' lives to be blessed and changed by the message. He emphasizes that the sermon is not copyrighted an |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 31-35 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the future reign of Christ and the restoration of the world as God intended it. He emphasizes that the current state of suffering and physical |
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A Highway in the Desert by David Davis | This sermon emphasizes the miraculous work of the Lord in Times Square Church, highlighting the transformation and impact of the Word of God and the power of God in caring for the |