Proverbs 10:5

Translation
King James Version
¶ He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
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KJV (with Strong's)
He that gathereth H103 in summer H7019 is a wise H7919 son H1121: but he that sleepeth H7290 in harvest H7105 is a son H1121 that causeth shame H954.
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Complete Jewish Bible
A sensible person gathers in summer, but he who sleeps during harvest is an embarrassment.
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Berean Standard Bible
He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
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American Standard Version
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; Buthe that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
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World English Bible Messianic
He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
He that gathereth in sommer, is the sonne of wisdome: but he that sleepeth in haruest, is the sonne of confusion.
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Young's Literal Translation
Whoso is gathering in summer is a wise son, Whoso is sleeping in harvest is a son causing shame.
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See also
Proverbs 6:8Proverbs 30:25Proverbs 17:2Proverbs 19:26Proverbs 6:6Proverbs 12:4Isaiah 55:6
In the KJVVerse 16,662 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 10:5 is a concise yet profoundly insightful proverb that illuminates the critical distinction between diligence and idleness, particularly in the context of seizing opportune moments. It establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, asserting that the wise individual acts proactively and industriously during seasons of opportunity, thereby securing provision and honor. In stark contrast, the lazy or negligent person squanders critical times, inevitably leading to scarcity, hardship, and disgrace. This agricultural metaphor transcends its literal farming context to encompass all spheres of life where timely effort yields positive outcomes and procrastination results in negative consequences.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 10 marks a pivotal transition in the book, shifting from the extended, thematic discourses of chapters 1-9 to a vast collection of individual, pithy proverbs. These are predominantly presented as antithetical couplets, designed to highlight stark contrasts. Proverbs 10:5 perfectly exemplifies this pattern, establishing a direct comparison between two archetypal "sons" based on their conduct during crucial agricultural seasons. The surrounding verses within chapter 10 consistently explore themes of righteous living, the potent influence of words, the inevitable consequences of actions, and the ultimate outcomes of wisdom versus folly, frequently employing practical, everyday scenarios to illustrate profound spiritual truths.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where daily life and economic survival were inextricably linked to the agricultural calendar. The "summer" (Hebrew: qayits) and "harvest" (Hebrew: qâtsîyr) seasons were not merely temporal designations but critical, intense windows of labor that directly determined a family's sustenance and prosperity for the entire year. Summer involved the gathering and preservation of fruits and grains, often through drying and storage. The harvest, typically spanning late spring to early autumn, was the most demanding period, requiring immediate and sustained effort to collect crops before spoilage, theft, or damage by adverse weather. Neglecting work during these vital times meant certain poverty, hunger, and profound social shame, as a family's well-being and honor were directly contingent upon the diligence of its members. The concept of a "son" also carried immense cultural weight, as sons were expected to contribute significantly to the family's livelihood and uphold its collective honor.
  • Key Themes: This proverb powerfully articulates several foundational themes pervasive throughout the book of Proverbs. It underscores the paramount importance of diligence versus laziness, a recurring motif vividly portrayed in passages like Proverbs 6:6-11, which admonishes the sluggard to emulate the industrious ant. It also highlights wisdom and foresight, demonstrating that true wisdom transcends mere intellectual knowledge, manifesting instead as practical discernment that leads to timely and effective action. The proverb emphasizes the consequences of action (or inaction), illustrating the direct and often immediate link between choices made and the outcomes experienced—a foundational principle of biblical wisdom literature. Finally, it touches upon the crucial theme of the stewardship of time and opportunity, presenting the "harvest" as a fleeting season that demands full utilization, echoing the broader biblical call to "make the best use of the time" as taught in Ephesians 5:16.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • gathereth (Hebrew, ʼâgar', H103): A primitive root meaning "to harvest" or "to gather." In the context of the proverb, it denotes active, diligent collection of resources during the appropriate season. It implies purposeful effort, foresight, and timely action to secure sustenance and provision, ensuring future well-being.
  • sleepeth (Hebrew, râdam', H7290): A primitive root meaning "to stun," or "to stupefy (with sleep or death)." Here, it signifies much more than mere literal sleep; it refers to a state of profound idleness, negligence, or procrastination during a crucial period. It implies a culpable failure to act when action is most required, leading directly to missed opportunities and negative consequences.
  • wise (Hebrew, sâkal', H7919): A primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent." This word encompasses practical skill, keen discernment, prudent action, and sound judgment. A "wise son" is one who possesses the understanding to recognize the importance of seizing opportunities and acts decisively to ensure future security and well-being for himself and his household.

Verse Breakdown

  • "He that gathereth in summer is a wise son:" This clause presents the positive and commendable example. The "summer" (Hebrew: qayits) refers to the season designated for gathering and preserving crops, a period requiring diligent labor. The act of "gathering" implies foresight, proactive effort, and the prudent seizure of the opportune moment. Such an individual is deemed "wise" (Hebrew: sâkal), possessing the practical wisdom that consistently leads to productive outcomes and honor within the community. This son understands the natural rhythm of life and acts in accordance with it, ensuring provision and stability for himself and his family.
  • "but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame." This clause presents the contrasting, negative example, highlighting the consequences of negligence. The "harvest" (Hebrew: qâtsîyr) is the most critical and labor-intensive time of the agricultural year, when the culmination of the entire year's efforts is collected. To "sleep" (Hebrew: râdam) during this vital period is to be utterly negligent, inactive, or procrastinating to a detrimental degree. Such idleness inevitably results in ruin, scarcity, and brings "shame" (Hebrew: bûwsh) not only upon the individual but, significantly in a communal society, upon their entire family. This shame is not merely personal embarrassment but a deep, public disgrace stemming from a failure in fundamental responsibility and contribution.

Literary Devices

Proverbs 10:5 primarily employs Antithetical Parallelism, a defining characteristic of Hebrew poetry and particularly prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. This literary device presents two contrasting lines or ideas, where the second line expresses the opposite of the first, thereby powerfully highlighting the divergent consequences of two distinct paths. Here, the diligent "wise son" is directly contrasted with the idle "son that causeth shame," emphasizing the moral and practical dichotomy. The proverb also effectively utilizes Metaphor and Analogy, drawing a direct comparison between essential agricultural practices and fundamental human behavior. The "summer" and "harvest" seasons serve as potent metaphors for opportune times and critical windows in life, while "gathering" and "sleeping" represent diligence and idleness, respectively. This vivid agricultural imagery renders the abstract concepts of wisdom and folly tangible and highly relatable to an agrarian audience, underscoring the practical, real-world consequences of one's choices.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 10:5 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical emphasis on diligence, personal responsibility, and the wise stewardship of time and resources. It reflects a profound theological understanding that God has ordered the world with distinct seasons and opportunities, and that human flourishing is often intrinsically tied to aligning one's actions with these divine rhythms. The proverb teaches that true wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but is profoundly practical, manifesting in timely and productive labor that honors God's design. Conversely, idleness is not a neutral state but an active choice that leads to negative consequences, not only for the individual but also impacting the community and bringing dishonor. This principle extends far beyond physical labor to encompass spiritual and moral diligence, urging believers to be active, discerning, and purposeful in their walk with God and their service to others.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This proverb challenges us to critically examine our own lives for "harvest seasons"—those critical periods of unique opportunity, whether in our careers, educational pursuits, personal relationships, or spiritual growth. Are we actively "gathering" and making the most of these moments with foresight and diligence, or are we "sleeping," allowing precious time, potential, and divine appointments to slip away unutilized? The proverb calls us to cultivate a proactive and responsible mindset, understanding that diligent effort today lays the foundation for a more stable, prosperous, and honorable tomorrow. It serves as a stark reminder that our choices—both active and passive—have tangible consequences, not just for ourselves, but for those around us. A life characterized by purposeful effort brings commendation and blessing, while idleness ultimately leads to regret, scarcity, and shame. We are therefore called to be wise and faithful stewards of the time, talents, and opportunities God has graciously entrusted to us, recognizing that every season presents an opportunity to sow, gather, and ultimately, bear fruit for His glory.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "harvest seasons" are currently present in my life, and how effectively am I utilizing them?
  • In what specific areas of my life might I be "sleeping" when I should be actively "gathering" or working?
  • How does my personal diligence or lack thereof impact those around me, and does it bring honor or shame to my family or community?
  • What concrete steps can I take to cultivate greater foresight, proactive effort, and timely action in my daily responsibilities and spiritual disciplines?

FAQ

What does "causeth shame" mean in the context of ancient Israel?

Answer: In ancient Israel, "causeth shame" (Hebrew: bûwsh) carried profound weight, extending far beyond mere personal embarrassment or individual regret. It signified bringing deep disgrace, dishonor, or humiliation not only upon oneself but, crucially, upon one's entire family and communal unit. In a society where family honor, reputation, and communal well-being were paramount, a son who failed to contribute diligently, especially during critical agricultural times like the harvest, directly jeopardized the family's survival, economic stability, and social standing. This failure would inevitably lead to severe social stigma, economic hardship, and a profound sense of communal disappointment and reproach, reflecting poorly on the entire household and its upbringing. The shame was thus a public and deeply felt consequence of private negligence, underscoring the severe social and relational cost of idleness in a tightly-knit, agrarian community.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Proverbs 10:5 offers invaluable practical wisdom for earthly diligence and the stewardship of time, it finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential "wise Son" who perfectly understood and flawlessly executed the will of the Father, always acting with unparalleled diligence and seizing every divine opportunity. He unequivocally declared, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work", demonstrating an unwavering commitment to His divine "harvest." He continually urged His disciples to recognize the spiritual "harvest" that was ripe for gathering, famously stating, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest". Unlike the son who "sleepeth in harvest," Jesus was tirelessly active, always about His Father's business, even to the point of His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. This climactic act was the culmination of God's redemptive plan—the greatest "gathering" of all, bringing many sons and daughters to glory. Through His perfect diligence and obedient sacrifice, Jesus did not cause shame but brought ultimate honor and glory to God, securing salvation and eternal life for all who believe, thereby fulfilling the wisdom of diligent action in its most profound spiritual and redemptive sense.

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Commentary on Proverbs 10 verse 5

5 ¶ He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Here is, 1. The just praise of those who improve their opportunities, who take pains to gather and increase what they have, both for soul and body, who provide for hereafter while provision is to be made, who gather in summer, which is gathering time. He who does so is a wise son, and it is his honour; he acts wisely for his parents, whom, if there be occasion, he ought to maintain, and he gives reputation to himself, his family, and his education. 2. The just reproach and blame of those who trifle away these opportunities: He who sleeps, loves his ease, idles away his time, and neglects his work, especially who sleeps in harvest, when he should be laying in for winter, who lets slip the season of furnishing himself with that which he will have occasion for, is a son that causes shame; for he is a foolish son; he prepares shame for himself when winter comes, and reflects shame upon all his friends. He who gets knowledge and wisdom in the days of his youth gathers in summer, and he will have the comfort and credit of his industry; but he who idles away the days of his youth will bear the shame of his indolence when he is old.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 5. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Proverbs
He who gathers in summer is a wise son, etc. He who gathers to Christ the souls of the faithful is a wise son. And indeed, this harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Luke 10). But he who in this acceptable time is sluggish in caring for his own salvation will be ashamed in the day of tribulation.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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