What Does Proverbs 15:19 Mean?

The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. Derekh atsel kimsukat-chadeq (דֶּרֶךְ עָצֵל כִּמְשֻׂכַת חָדֶק, the way of the sluggard like a hedge of thorns). The lazy person sees every path obstructed—real or imagined obstacles prevent action. Ve'orach yesharim selulah (וְאֹרַח יְשָׁרִים סְלֻלָה, but the path of the upright is a highway). Selulah (סְלֻלָה, highway, raised road, clear path) indicates smooth traveling. The righteous find their way cleared. Often obstacles are more in the sluggard's imagination than reality. Diligence overcomes difficulties the lazy person uses as excuses.