Proverbs 13:23

Translation
King James Version
¶ Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Much H7230 food H400 is in the tillage H5215 of the poor H7218 H7326: but there is H3426 that is destroyed H5595 for want H3808 of judgment H4941.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The fields of the poor may yield much food, but some are swept away because of injustice.
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Berean Standard Bible
Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away.
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American Standard Version
Much foodis inthe tillage of the poor; But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice.
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World English Bible Messianic
An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields, but injustice sweeps it away.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Much foode is in the fielde of the poore: but the fielde is destroyed without discretion.
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Young's Literal Translation
Abundance of food--the tillage of the poor, And substance is consumed without judgment.
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See also
Proverbs 12:11Proverbs 28:19Ecclesiastes 5:9Ecclesiastes 8:5Ecclesiastes 8:6Psalms 112:5Proverbs 27:23
In the KJVVerse 16,771 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 13:23 offers a profound and paradoxical insight into the nature of provision and prosperity, asserting that even from the humble and diligent labor of the poor, abundant sustenance can arise. Yet, this very potential for flourishing, or indeed existing wealth, stands vulnerable to utter destruction and loss when sound discernment, practical wisdom, and prudent management are absent. The proverb thus underscores the intrinsic value and dignity of hard work, while simultaneously issuing a stark warning about the perilous consequences of poor judgment, emphasizing the indispensable role of wisdom for sustained well-being and the preservation of blessings.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 13:23 is a quintessential example of the antithetical parallelism prevalent throughout the "Solomonic Proverbs" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a collection designed to present moral and practical truths through striking contrasts. This verse masterfully juxtaposes the potential for abundance derived from diligent labor with the inevitable ruin resulting from a lack of wisdom. It resonates with surrounding proverbs that champion diligence and condemn idleness, such as the declaration that "the soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied" and the observation that "whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense". The verse also anticipates subsequent warnings against ill-gotten gains and the profound value of wise counsel, positioning itself as a pivotal statement on the interplay between effort, resources, and the critical need for discernment in managing both.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, "tillage" (the cultivation of land) was the foundational activity for sustenance and wealth creation. While land ownership was an ideal, many "poor" individuals might have worked small, inherited plots, rented land, or served as laborers for wealthier landowners. The concept of "judgment" (Hebrew: mishpat) extended far beyond legal rulings to encompass practical wisdom, discernment, sound decision-making, and the prudent governance of one's affairs. Life in this context was inherently precarious; factors like unpredictable weather, crop failures, inefficient management, or societal instability could rapidly plunge individuals or families into destitution. The proverb speaks directly to this reality, affirming that diligent effort, even by those with minimal resources, could yield enough for survival or even modest prosperity, but crucially, the absence of practical wisdom in managing those yields or opportunities would inevitably lead to their loss and destruction.
  • Key Themes: This proverb significantly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. It powerfully underscores the theme of diligence and its inherent rewards, emphasizing that consistent, hard work, even from humble beginnings, is inherently productive and can lead to abundance, as articulated in "a slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich". Simultaneously, it highlights the critical theme of wisdom versus foolishness, demonstrating that mere effort or even initial success is insufficient without the accompanying discernment to manage and preserve resources. The "want of judgment" directly correlates with the broader Proverbial call for prudence and sound decision-making, which are essential for avoiding ruin and ensuring lasting prosperity, echoing the vivid warnings against negligence found in the depiction of "the field of the sluggard" and "the vineyard of the man void of understanding" in Proverbs 24:30-34. Finally, it implicitly touches upon the theme of stewardship, implying that all resources, whether meager or abundant, demand wise handling to yield their full potential and avoid destruction.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Tillage (Hebrew, nîyr', H5215): Meaning "plowing" or "freshly plowed land." This term vividly portrays the act of cultivating the earth, breaking new ground, or preparing soil for planting. It signifies diligent, foundational labor, particularly within an agricultural context. The proverb suggests that even when this labor is performed by "the poor" – those with limited resources or social standing – it holds immense potential for yielding "much food," underscoring the inherent productivity and dignity of honest, hard work.
  • Destroyed (Hebrew, çâphâh', H5595): Meaning "to scrape (away)," "remove," "ruin," or "perish." This word conveys a sense of utter loss, consumption, or disappearance. It is a strong term indicating that something valuable, whether potential or actual resources, is not merely diminished but completely undone or brought to nothing. The active sense implies that the destruction is a direct and inevitable consequence of the "want of judgment," highlighting the severity of the outcome.
  • Judgment (Hebrew, mishpâṭ', H4941): Meaning "a verdict," "sentence," "decree," but also abstractly "justice," "right," "ordinance," or "discretion." In this context, "judgment" refers not primarily to legal decree but to sound discernment, wise decision-making, prudent management, and the practical application of wisdom in daily affairs. It encompasses the ability to assess situations, plan effectively, and act judiciously with foresight. The "want of judgment" (from H3808 lôʼ, meaning "not" or "for want of") is the critical absence of this faculty, leading directly to the destruction mentioned.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Much food is in the tillage of the poor": This clause presents a hopeful and dignifying truth. It asserts that even from the laborious efforts of those with limited means, substantial provision and abundance can emerge. "Tillage" represents not just agricultural work but any diligent, honest labor. The phrase highlights God's design for productivity and the inherent potential in human effort, affirming that even the disadvantaged can, through hard work, produce significant results and find sustenance.
  • "but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment": This contrasting clause introduces a stark and sobering warning. It declares that despite the potential for "much food" or even the actual attainment of abundance, these blessings can be utterly lost or ruined. The explicit cause of this destruction is "want of judgment," signifying a critical absence of discernment, practical wisdom, sound planning, or prudent management. This underscores that mere effort or the possession of resources is insufficient; wise stewardship and thoughtful decision-making are absolutely crucial for preserving, maximizing, and benefiting from what one has.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 13:23 is Antithetical Parallelism, a hallmark of the book of Proverbs. This structure presents two contrasting statements that illuminate a singular moral or practical truth. Here, the positive outcome of diligent labor ("much food in the tillage of the poor") is starkly juxtaposed against the negative consequence of lacking wisdom ("destroyed for want of judgment"), thereby emphasizing the indispensable role of discernment. There is also a subtle Metaphor at play, where "tillage" represents productive effort and "food" symbolizes its tangible rewards and blessings, while "destroyed" vividly conveys the squandering of potential or actual resources. The verse functions as a concise piece of Proverbial Wisdom, offering a timeless, practical observation on human behavior and its consequences, designed to instruct and guide individuals toward prudent and flourishing lives.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 13:23 speaks profoundly to the theological themes of divine provision, the intrinsic value of human labor, and the indispensable role of wisdom in stewarding God's blessings. It affirms that God has designed the world such that diligent effort, even by those with limited means, can yield sustenance and abundance, reflecting His benevolent order. However, it equally stresses that this provision, or the potential for it, is not automatically sustained; it requires wise management and discernment. The "want of judgment" is a failure to apply God-given wisdom and prudence, leading to the undoing of even the most promising beginnings. This highlights humanity's responsibility to cultivate not only the earth and their external resources but also their minds with discernment, recognizing that true and lasting flourishing is a partnership between divine blessing and human prudence, guided by God's truth.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This proverb offers a powerful dual challenge and profound encouragement for every individual. For those who perceive themselves as disadvantaged, or who operate with limited resources, it serves as a profound affirmation: your diligent effort, even in humble circumstances, possesses immense potential for fruitfulness and divine provision. It validates the dignity of labor and reminds us that God often works through the seemingly small and overlooked. However, the proverb's second half delivers a crucial, universal warning: effort alone is insufficient for sustained flourishing. Whether it's financial resources, God-given talents, precious time, vital relationships, or spiritual gifts, their ultimate fruitfulness and longevity depend critically on wise stewardship. A lack of discernment, impulsive decisions, or a failure to plan and manage can quickly undo years of hard work and squander precious opportunities. This calls us to cultivate not only our external resources but, more importantly, our internal wisdom, diligently seeking God's guidance and applying sound judgment in every area of life to ensure that our efforts yield lasting fruit rather than being "destroyed" by our own folly.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of my life am I diligently "tilling," and how can I ensure that my dedicated efforts are not undermined by a "want of judgment"?
  • What does "judgment" (or biblical wisdom and discernment) practically look like in my daily decisions regarding my resources, including time, money, relationships, and spiritual gifts?
  • Can I identify instances in my past where a lack of foresight, impulsive decisions, or poor management led to the "destruction" or squandering of potential or existing blessings? What crucial lessons can I draw from those experiences to inform my future?
  • How can I actively seek and cultivate biblical wisdom, through prayer, Scripture study, and wise counsel, to better steward the opportunities and provisions God has graciously given me, regardless of their perceived size or significance?

FAQ

What does "tillage of the poor" specifically refer to?

Answer: "Tillage of the poor" refers to the cultivated land or, more broadly, the act of plowing, working the soil, and engaging in productive labor, specifically by individuals who are economically disadvantaged or have limited resources. It emphasizes that even when the means are humble, the act of diligent labor itself holds inherent potential for significant yield and provision. It's a testament to the productivity that can arise from consistent hard work, regardless of one's initial social or economic standing. The proverb suggests that God's design allows for sustenance and even abundance to emerge from the seemingly modest efforts of the poor.

What kind of "judgment" is meant here, and why is its absence so destructive?

Answer: The "judgment" (Hebrew: mishpat) in this context refers to practical wisdom, discernment, sound decision-making, and prudent management, rather than strictly a legal verdict or judicial decree. Its absence is profoundly destructive because it leads to impulsive actions, poor planning, a failure to anticipate consequences, and an inability to steward resources effectively. Without this critical discernment, even abundant potential or existing wealth can be squandered, wasted, or utterly lost. For example, a farmer might have a bountiful harvest, but without good judgment, they might sell it unwisely, fail to store it properly, or spend the proceeds foolishly, leading to ruin despite their initial success. The proverb highlights that effort must be coupled with wisdom to yield lasting fruit, a principle echoed throughout Proverbs, such as in Proverbs 16:3, which encourages committing one's works to the Lord for successful plans.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Proverbs 13:23, while a practical wisdom saying, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest redemptive meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and perfect judgment, as 1 Corinthians 1:30 declares, "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." Where humanity, even in its most diligent efforts, is prone to "want of judgment" leading to destruction and loss, Christ perfectly exercised divine wisdom in every aspect of His life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice. He took the humble "tillage" of human existence – the brokenness of humanity, the poverty of spirit, the sin-laden condition – and through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, brought forth "much food," which is the superabundant provision of salvation, eternal life, spiritual nourishment, and reconciliation with God for all who believe. His sacrifice on the cross, though appearing as a destruction, was in fact the ultimate act of divine judgment and wisdom, strategically overcoming the destruction caused by sin and human foolishness. In Him, believers find not only the wisdom to steward their earthly resources but, more importantly, the spiritual discernment to live a life that yields eternal fruit, ensuring that their efforts in the Kingdom are never "destroyed for want of judgment," but are built on the solid, unshakeable foundation of His perfect wisdom and grace, just as Matthew 7:24-27 illustrates the lasting stability of a life built on Christ's words.

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Commentary on Proverbs 13 verse 23

23 ¶ Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

See here, 1. How a small estate may be improved by industry, so that a man, by making the best of every thing, may live comfortably upon it: Much food is in the tillage of the poor, the poor farmers, that have but a little, but take pains with that little and husband it well. Many make it an excuse for their idleness that they have but a little to work on, a very little to be doing with; but the less compass the field is of the more let the skill and labour of the owner be employed about it, and it will turn to a very good account. Let him dig, and he needs not beg. 2. How a great estate may be ruined by indiscretion: There is that has a great deal, but it is destroyed and brought to nothing for want of judgment, that is, prudence in the management of it. Men over-build themselves or over-buy themselves, keep greater company, or a better table, or more servants, than they can afford, suffer what they have to go to decay and do not make the most of it; by taking up money themselves, or being bound for others, their estates are sunk, their families reduced, and all for want of judgment.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 23. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Proverbs
Many foods are in the fresh fields of the fathers, etc. He acts without proper judgment who is diligently occupied with amassing riches and does not himself dispense these accumulated riches to the poor for the redemption of his soul, but reserves them to be dispensed by others after him, as it is said in the superior verse by the letter: And the substance of the sinner is stored up for the just, especially when victuals abound for him from the right of paternal inheritance, and there is no necessity incumbent on him to gather any moneys. This is indeed what he says, Many foods are in the fresh fields of the fathers. But in the spiritual sense, there are many foods of heavenly nourishment in the sayings and examples of venerable fathers, and he acts without reason who eagerly reading, meditating, and expounding upon these, serves not his own salvation by this, but rather others, while he himself deviates from what he reads, either by evil deeds or by the impiety of heretical sense. Such a one, in the fresh fields of the fathers, that is, in the works or sayings of the fathers well cultivated by optimal institution, acquires support not for himself, but for others, those namely who reading his treatises find through them the spiritual sense, by which they are inwardly refreshed... The preceding verse was thus translated by ancient interpreters: Just men will enjoy riches for many years; but the wicked will perish quickly.
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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