King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The plans of the diligent lead only to abundance; but all who rush in arrive only at want.
Berean Standard Bible:
The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.
American Standard Version:
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But every one that is hastyhastethonly to want.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The thoughts{H4284} of the diligent{H2742} tend only to plenteousness{H4195}; but of every one that is hasty{H213} only to want{H4270}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 10:4
- ¶ He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Proverbs 13:4
- ¶ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
1 Thessalonians 4:11
- And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
1 Thessalonians 4:12
- That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing.
Ephesians 4:28
- Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Proverbs 14:29
- ¶ [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Proverbs 27:23
- ¶ Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 21:5 is part of the biblical wisdom literature, which seeks to convey practical advice for living a virtuous and successful life. This particular verse is found within the book of Proverbs, a collection of sayings attributed to various wise figures, including King Solomon, who is traditionally credited with its authorship. The book is thought to have been compiled over several centuries, with its final form taking shape during the post-exilic period (after 539 BCE).
The historical context of Proverbs 21:5 reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where diligence in farming and careful planning were crucial for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. The verse encapsulates a theme common in Proverbs: the contrast between the outcomes of diligent, thoughtful action versus hasty, impulsive behavior.
In simple terms, the verse suggests that those who are diligent—who plan carefully and work assiduously—will tend to experience abundance ("plenteousness"). Their consistent effort and patience lead to success and surplus. Conversely, those who are hasty, acting without due consideration or rushing their endeavors, will tend to experience scarcity ("want"). Their impulsiveness and lack of foresight result in deficiency and unmet needs.
The theme of this verse aligns with the broader wisdom tradition in the ancient Near East, which emphasizes the importance of deliberate action and the virtue of prudence. It serves as a concise maxim to encourage careful planning and steady effort in one's pursuits, promising that such behavior will lead to prosperity, while also warning against the perils of hastiness, which can lead to poverty and regret.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4284
There are 52 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַחֲשָׁבָה
Transliteration: machăshâbâh
Pronunciation: makh-ash-aw-baw'
Description: or מַחֲשֶׁבֶת; from חָשַׁב; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice); cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. - Strong's Number: H2742
There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֲרוּץ
Transliteration: chărûwts
Pronunciation: khaw-roots'
Description: or חָרֻץ; passive participle of חָרַץ; properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp teeth); (figuratively) determination; also eager; decision, diligent, (fine) gold, pointed things, sharp, threshing instrument, wall. - Strong's Number: H4195
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוֹתָר
Transliteration: môwthâr
Pronunciation: mo-thar'
Description: from יָתַר; literally gain; figuratively, superiority; plenteousness, preeminence, profit. - Strong's Number: H213
There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אוּץ
Transliteration: ʼûwts
Pronunciation: oots
Description: a primitive root; to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw; (make) haste(-n, -y), labor, be narrow. - Strong's Number: H4270
There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַחְסוֹר
Transliteration: machçôwr
Pronunciation: makh-sore'
Description: or מַחְסֹר; from חָסֵר; deficiency; hence, impoverishment; lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want.