Lazy Person Versus Models of Industriousness (Proverbs 6:6-11)

Andrzej Piwowar




Abstract

The article presents the Book of Proverb’s teachings concerning work and laziness. The analysis is based on the pericope of Prov. 6:6-11 which focuses on the juxtaposition of human sloth and animals’ industriousness. The text shows human work in its extremes and expresses the author’s most significant ideas concerning the aspect analyzed here. The article begins with the synthesis of what the didactic books of the Old Testament teach about work, with particular emphasis on the Book of Proverbs. The article then offers an exegetical analysis of the selected pericope, including the Greek text of Prov. 6:8a-c, where the book’s translator mentions another model of diligence alongside the ant, namely the bee. Prov. 26:13-16 is also referred to here, for the text plays a significant role in completing the picture of lazy man.

Keywords:

Book of Proverbs, work, industriousness, laziness, poverty, Prov 6, 6-11, Prov 26, 13-16


Published
2014-06-01


Piwowar, A. (2014). Człowiek leniwy na tle wzorów pracowitości (Prz 6,6-11). Verbum Vitae, 25, 41–79. https://doi.org/10.31743/vv.1569

Andrzej Piwowar  naporus@gmail.com



License

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