KJV ORIGINAL
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
A lazy person thinks he's smarter than seven people who can give good advice.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is warning that lazy people often have an inflated view of their own wisdom and reject helpful counsel from others.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from Solomon's collection of wisdom sayings, written around 950 BC for teaching young people how to live wisely. In ancient Hebrew culture, the number seven represented completeness or perfection, so 'seven men' meant the most complete group of wise counselors possible. The 'sluggard' was a common figure in Proverbs, representing someone whose laziness extended beyond just work to include mental and spiritual laziness.
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