Proverbs 12:27

KJV

¶ The slothful [man] roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man [is] precious.

KJV (with Strong's)

The slothful {H7423} man roasteth {H2760} not that which he took in hunting {H6718}: but the substance {H1952} of a diligent {H2742} man {H120} is precious {H3368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A lazy man doesn't roast what he hunted; but when a man is diligent, his wealth is precious.

Berean Standard Bible

A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.

American Standard Version

The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting; But the precious substance of menis tothe diligent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 12:27 powerfully contrasts the futility of idleness with the lasting value of diligence, illustrating that initial effort is insufficient without the commitment to complete a task and steward its outcome. The proverb highlights that a lazy individual, despite expending energy to acquire, fails to process or utilize their gains, rendering their efforts fruitless. Conversely, the diligent person not only acquires but also carefully manages and preserves their resources, transforming them into something truly precious and enduring. This wisdom teaching underscores the vital importance of follow-through, responsible stewardship, and sustained effort in achieving genuine and lasting prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 12:27 is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs, specifically within the "Solomonic Proverbs" (chapters 10-22). This section is characterized by its frequent use of **antithetical parallelism**, where two contrasting ideas or statements are presented to highlight a moral or practical truth. This verse perfectly exemplifies this literary device by juxtaposing the "slothful man" with the "diligent man," emphasizing the divergent outcomes of their respective approaches to life and labor. The proverb functions as a concise, memorable maxim designed to instruct listeners in the principles of righteous living and effective stewardship, aligning with the book's overarching goal of imparting wisdom and understanding for daily life, as outlined in [Proverbs 1:2-6](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1:2-6 - The Purpose of Proverbs").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a predominantly agrarian and pastoral society, the concepts of labor, provision, and stewardship were deeply ingrained in daily life and religious understanding. Survival and prosperity depended directly on consistent effort in farming, herding, or hunting, followed by the careful processing and preservation of resources. A hunter's success was not merely in the kill, but in the subsequent preparation of the meat to prevent spoilage and provide sustenance. This proverb reflects a societal value placed on productivity and the responsible management of one's gains. The "substance" (wealth, possessions) was often tied to the fruits of one's labor, and idleness was seen not just as a personal failing but as a threat to the household's and community's well-being, leading to poverty and ruin, as warned in [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Warning Against Idleness").
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **folly and destructive nature of slothfulness**, portraying it not merely as inaction but as a failure to complete what has been started, thereby negating initial efforts and leading to waste. The slothful man's inability to "roast" his hunt symbolizes a broader lack of commitment and follow-through that renders potential gain worthless. Secondly, it champions the **virtue and reward of diligence**, emphasizing that true prosperity and "precious" substance are the result of sustained effort, careful management, and prudent stewardship. The diligent person not only acquires but also preserves and utilizes their resources effectively, ensuring lasting benefit. This theme is consistently reinforced, highlighting how [diligent hands bring wealth](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligent Hands Bring Wealth") and security, while laziness leads to poverty and want.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slothful (Hebrew, _rᵉmîyâh'_):** From the root רָמָה (ramah), meaning "to throw" or "to cast off," this word implies a sense of remissness, treachery, or deceit. In the context of "slothful," it conveys a laxity, negligence, or idleness that leads to a failure to fulfill responsibilities or complete tasks. It suggests a lack of earnestness or commitment, resulting in wasted effort or lost opportunity.
* **Roasteth (Hebrew, _chârak'_):** A primitive root, meaning "to braid" (i.e., to entangle or snare) or "catch (game) in a net," but also specifically used to mean "to roast." In this proverb, "roasteth not" signifies a failure to process, prepare, or utilize the acquired game. It represents the crucial step of follow-through, transforming raw potential into usable provision. The absence of this action renders the initial "hunting" effort futile and the catch worthless.
* **Diligent (Hebrew, _chărûwts'_):** Passive participle of חָרַץ (charats), meaning "incised" or "incisive." It can refer to a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), or a threshing-sledge (having sharp teeth). Figuratively, it denotes determination, eagerness, and sharpness of intellect or action. In the context of a "diligent man," it describes someone who is sharp, decisive, industrious, and persistent in their endeavors, ensuring that their efforts lead to valuable and lasting outcomes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting":** This clause vividly portrays the failure of the lazy individual. Despite expending effort to "hunt" or acquire something (whether a resource, an opportunity, or a task), the "slothful man" fails to complete the necessary subsequent steps—symbolized by "roasting." This indicates a lack of follow-through, a disinterest in the practical work required to transform raw potential into usable value. The consequence is that the initial effort is wasted, and the acquired item spoils or becomes useless, leading to no real benefit or provision.
* **"but the substance of a diligent man is precious":** This contrasting clause presents the positive outcome of diligence. The "diligent man" not only acquires "substance" (wealth, possessions, or the fruits of his labor) but also demonstrates the wisdom and commitment to manage, preserve, and utilize it effectively. Because of his sustained effort and careful stewardship, his possessions are not wasted but become "precious"—valuable, esteemed, and enduring. This highlights that true wealth and security are not just about acquisition but about the responsible and industrious management of what has been gained.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 12:27 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. The verse presents two contrasting statements—the slothful man's failure versus the diligent man's success—to illuminate a moral truth through opposition. This sharp contrast effectively highlights the wisdom of diligence and the folly of idleness. Additionally, **Imagery** is powerfully employed through the metaphor of "hunting" and "roasting." The act of hunting represents initial effort or acquisition, while "roasting" symbolizes the necessary follow-through, processing, and utilization of resources. The failure to roast conjures an image of wasted potential, while the "precious substance" of the diligent man evokes an image of lasting value and security. The proverb also uses **Synecdoche** where "roasting" stands for all the necessary steps of processing and preserving.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on work as a divine mandate and a means of stewardship. From the very beginning, humanity was tasked with tending and keeping the garden ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man's Task in Eden")), indicating that productive labor is part of God's good design for human flourishing. Slothfulness, therefore, is not merely a practical failing but a deviation from this divine intention, leading to poverty and spiritual stagnation. Conversely, diligence is praised as a virtue that aligns with God's character and His call for His people to be responsible stewards of the resources, talents, and opportunities He provides. The "precious substance" of the diligent man reflects God's blessing on faithful labor, demonstrating that sustained effort, rooted in wisdom, yields lasting fruit and honors the Creator who is Himself the ultimate worker and provider.

* [Proverbs 6:6](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - Paul's Instruction on Work")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 12:27 offers profound wisdom for every facet of life, urging us to move beyond mere initiation to faithful completion and wise stewardship. It challenges the common human tendency to start projects with enthusiasm but abandon them when the real, often mundane, work begins. Whether in our spiritual walk, professional careers, relationships, or personal development, true value is unlocked not just by what we acquire or begin, but by how diligently we process, maintain, and utilize it. This means cultivating the discipline to see tasks through, valuing the resources God has entrusted to us, and actively working to maximize their potential. The "slothful man" in this proverb serves as a stark warning against wasted potential and squandered blessings, while the "diligent man" provides a model for a life of productive labor and enduring fruitfulness, reminding us that God blesses sustained effort and faithful stewardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I prone to starting tasks or projects but failing to see them through to completion?**
* **What "hunt" (opportunity, talent, resource) has God given me that I am failing to "roast" (process, utilize, steward) effectively?**
* **How can I cultivate greater diligence and follow-through in my daily responsibilities, both practically and spiritually?**
* **What does "precious substance" look like in my life, beyond material wealth, and how does my diligence contribute to it?**

### FAQ

**What is the core message of Proverbs 12:27?**

Answer: The core message is the critical importance of follow-through and diligence. It teaches that initial effort (like hunting) is wasted if one lacks the commitment to complete the task (like roasting the catch). True value and lasting prosperity come not just from acquiring but from diligently processing, preserving, and utilizing what has been gained. It's a stark contrast between the futility of laziness and the fruitfulness of sustained effort.

**How does this proverb apply to modern life beyond hunting?**

Answer: The principle of Proverbs 12:27 is highly applicable to all areas of modern life. "Hunting" can represent starting a new job, beginning a course of study, initiating a relationship, or even embarking on a spiritual discipline like reading the Bible. "Roasting" represents the necessary follow-through: consistently performing job duties, completing assignments, nurturing relationships, or diligently studying and applying God's Word. A "slothful" person might start many things but finish few, leading to wasted potential and unfulfilled goals. A "diligent" person, however, sees tasks through, manages resources wisely, and invests consistent effort, leading to tangible and lasting "precious substance" in their career, education, relationships, and spiritual growth. The proverb encourages us to be good stewards of all opportunities and resources, ensuring our efforts yield lasting value, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15 "Ephesians 5:15-16 - Make the Best Use of Time").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 12:27, with its stark contrast between sloth and diligence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of human effort and its earthly rewards, Christ embodies perfect diligence and the ultimate "precious substance." Unlike the slothful man who fails to complete his task, Jesus perfectly fulfilled every aspect of His divine mission, from His obedient life to His sacrificial death on the cross, declaring, "[It is finished!](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words on the Cross")" He did not merely "hunt" for humanity's redemption but meticulously "roasted" (processed and completed) the work of salvation, making His sacrifice truly "precious" and eternally valuable for all who believe. Furthermore, Christ's diligent work on the cross secured for believers an imperishable "substance"—eternal life, righteousness, and an inheritance that can never spoil or fade ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Through His Spirit, Christ empowers believers to live diligent lives, not for self-gain, but to bear much fruit for God's glory ([John 15:8](/john/15-8 "John 15:8 - Bearing Much Fruit")), transforming our earthly labor into an act of worship and stewardship that contributes to His kingdom, ensuring that our "substance" in Him is truly precious and enduring.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 13:4

¶ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 26:15

¶ The slothful hideth his hand in [his] bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

Proverbs 15:16

¶ Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Psalms 37:16

A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked.

Proverbs 23:2

And put a knife to thy throat, if thou [be] a man given to appetite.

Proverbs 16:8

¶ Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.