This wise saying speaks virtually the same message as 22:13 — both are the words of the “sluggard,” a lazy person. Both also speak of a “lion” on the loose, and both represent the sluggard’s excuses for not doing what they don’t want to do.
While an ancient “road” may represent the pathway from one town to another, the ancient “streets” of this verse are public spaces within the walls of an ancient city. Lions did roam the countryside of ancient Palestine, but they didn’t get inside a city’s walls or gates very often.
The words of this sluggard do not speak truth, but are a feeble attempt to get out of doing what he should. As he announced these words, I bet his associates rolled their eyes and snickered at his suggestion that it wasn’t safe to go out in the city. They knew him and what was really going on!
Sadly, I have plenty such excuses for my own shortcomings, but I don’t want to sound as lame as this guy! The best way I know to insure I don’t is to just get up, get out there and get ‘er done!