Proverbs 18:9

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 18:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.
Proverbs 18:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He also that is slothful in his work, etc.] Remiss in it; hangs down his hands, and does not care to make use of them, but neglects his business: is brother to him that is a great waster: a prodigal man, who spends his substance in riotous living: the sluggard and the prodigal are brethren in iniquity; for, though they take different courses, they are both sinful, and issue in the same manner; both bring to poverty and want. Or, “brother to a master that wastes”f521; a slothful servant and a wasteful master are near akin, and come into the same class and circumstances. Jarchi interprets it, “he that separateth from the law, though a disciple of a wise man, is a brother to Satan;” whose name…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“One by failing to get, the other by wasting wealth, grows poor. waster--literally, "master of washing," a prodigal.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Is brother - Though they take several paths, yet both come to one end. Proverbs 18:10”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that is slothful: Pro 10:4, Pro 23:20, Pro 23:21, Pro 24:30-34; Mat 25:26; Rom 12:11; Heb 6:12 is brother: Pro 28:24; Job 30:29; Luk 15:13, Luk 15:14, Luk 16:1, Luk 16:2 Proverbs 18:10”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“9 He also who showeth himself slothful in his business, Is a brother to him who proceedeth to destroy. The Hithpa. התרפּה signifies here, as at Pro 24:10, to show oneself slack, lazy, negligent. מלאכה is properly a commission for another, as a king has a messenger, ambassador, commissioner to execute it; here, any business, whether an undertaking in commission from another, or a matter one engages in for himself. He who shows himself slack therein, produces in his way, viz., by negligence, destruction, as truly as the בּעל משׁחית, who does it directly by his conduct. Thus one is named, who is called, or who has his own delight in it, to destroy or overthrow. Jerome, incorrectly limiting: sua…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification