Definition: The slothful hideth his hand in [his] bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this proverb from Proverbs 26:15. It's a really interesting and somewhat poetic way of saying that avoiding responsibility and being lazy is bad for you. Here’s the breakdown in simpler terms: “The slothful hideth his hand in…” – This means someone who is lazy, or avoiding work, or doesn’t take action, is keeping something hidden. It's like they're trying to avoid looking at a problem or doing something. “…it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.” – This is the key part. "Grieving" means feeling pain or sorrow. “Bringing it again to his mouth” means returning to that action, to that responsibility, or to that situation. It’s like a little voice inside them is saying, "Don't do this! You shouldn't be doing this!" So, the whole verse essentially means: Someone who avoids work and doesn't take responsibility will feel bad about it – they'll experience remorse or pain. What does this teach us? It’s a reminder that laziness and avoiding your duties can lead to negative consequences for yourself. It encourages us to be proactive, take ownership of our actions, and not procrastinate. It’s a gentle but serious warning about the importance of responsibility! --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme within Proverbs (like wisdom or guidance)?