Bible Strands
Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Solomon addresses a student or young reader in a wisdom collection that systematically contrasts behavioral patterns and their consequences.
The words — עָצֵל ('Atzel) denotes a "sluggard" or habitually lazy person, and סְלֻלָה (Selulah) literally means "cast up" or "paved."
The thread — The sluggard’s fabricated danger appears in Proverbs 22:13, while the paved road imagery parallels Isaiah 35:8 and the thorn-hedge warning in Proverbs 22:5.
Why it lands — The text states that laziness creates an obstructed, dangerous route while moral integrity clears a direct path, demanding a reader to choose disciplined action over avoidance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.
- 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.
- Proverbs 22:13 The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”
- Proverbs 26:13 The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”
- 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.”
- Numbers 14:1 Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept.
- Psalms 27:11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
- Proverbs 8:9 They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
- Numbers 14:7 and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land.
- Psalms 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.