Proverbs 20:13

KJV

¶ Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

Love {H157} not sleep {H8142}, lest thou come to poverty {H3423}; open {H6491} thine eyes {H5869}, and thou shalt be satisfied {H7646} with bread {H3899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you love sleep, you will become poor; keep your eyes open, and you'll have plenty of food.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.

American Standard Version

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 20:13 delivers a profound warning against the perils of idleness, specifically cautioning against an indulgent love for sleep, which is directly linked to the path of destitution. Conversely, it champions diligence and attentiveness, promising that those who are proactive and "open their eyes" will experience abundant provision and true satisfaction. This proverb encapsulates a foundational principle of biblical wisdom, asserting that diligent effort is a prerequisite for well-being and security, while sloth invites scarcity and want.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 20:13 is situated within the broader collection of Solomon's proverbs, particularly among those offering practical wisdom for daily living and moral conduct. Chapter 20 itself is a diverse compilation of short, pithy sayings, often contrasting wise and foolish behaviors, and their respective consequences. This verse follows a warning against deceitful gain in [Proverbs 20:10](/proverbs/20-10 "Proverbs 20:10 - Dishonest Weights"), and precedes a reflection on the purity of one's actions in [Proverbs 20:11](/proverbs/20-11 "Proverbs 20:11 - Actions Reveal Character"), and the importance of just judgment in [Proverbs 20:12](/proverbs/20-12 "Proverbs 20:12 - The Lord Gives Sight and Hearing"). The immediate context highlights themes of integrity, discernment, and the practical outworking of wisdom in everyday life, making the call to diligence a natural fit within this moral framework. The emphasis on cause and effect—laziness leading to poverty, diligence leading to provision—is a recurring motif throughout the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"), particularly evident in passages like [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard") and [Proverbs 24:30-34](/proverbs/24-30 "Proverbs 24:30-34 - The Sluggard's Field"), which vividly depict the desolate outcomes of sloth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many agrarian societies, survival and prosperity were directly tied to diligent labor. Farming, animal husbandry, and craftsmanship required consistent effort, foresight, and an acute awareness of seasons and opportunities. Neglecting one's fields or livestock due to excessive sleep or idleness would inevitably lead to crop failure, loss of animals, and consequently, poverty and hunger. "Bread" (lechem) in this context was not merely a single food item but a metonym for all essential provisions and sustenance, representing the basic necessities of life. The warnings against sloth would have resonated deeply in a society where self-sufficiency and community well-being depended on individual industriousness. The "gate" or public square was often the place where business was conducted and justice administered, underscoring the public nature of one's reputation and economic standing. The proverb thus speaks to a practical reality where hard work was not just a virtue but a matter of survival and social responsibility.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 20:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"). Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Diligence versus Sloth**, presenting a stark contrast between the outcomes of active engagement and passive idleness. The "love not sleep" injunction is a direct challenge to complacency and procrastination, while "open thine eyes" serves as an imperative for alertness and proactive effort. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Consequences of Choices**, illustrating the direct correlation between human actions (or inactions) and their tangible results, particularly economic and social well-being. Poverty is presented not as an arbitrary misfortune but as a direct consequence of a specific lifestyle choice. Thirdly, the proverb touches upon **Divine Provision and Human Responsibility**. While God is ultimately the provider, the proverb emphasizes that human diligence is the channel through which much of that provision flows, leading to "satisfaction with bread." This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God blesses the work of human hands, as seen in passages like [Psalm 128:2](/psalm/128-2 "Psalm 128:2 - You will eat the fruit of your labor"). Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Wisdom in Practical Living**, demonstrating how godly wisdom translates into practical habits that lead to a flourishing life, both materially and spiritually.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ʼâhab (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_ H157):** This primitive root means "to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend." In "love not sleep," it signifies a deep, indulgent attachment or devotion to idleness. It's not merely occasional rest that is condemned, but an excessive, habitual preference for sleep over necessary work or responsibility, indicating a misplaced affection.
* **shênâh (Hebrew, _shênâh'_ H8142):** Derived from the root "to sleep," this word specifically means "sleep." In the context of the proverb, it represents not just the physical act of sleeping but, more broadly, a state of inactivity, laziness, or procrastination. The "love" for this "sleep" indicates a deliberate choice to remain in a state of unproductive ease.
* **yârash (Hebrew, _yârash'_ H3423):** This primitive root means "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin." When one "comes to poverty" (yârash), it implies being dispossessed or ruined, often through one's own negligence. It signifies a state of destitution, want, or economic ruin, a direct consequence of the "love of sleep."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Love not sleep":** This is a direct command, an imperative warning against developing an excessive fondness or devotion to idleness. The "love" (ʼâhab) here implies a deep-seated inclination or habit that prioritizes comfort and inaction over necessary effort and responsibility. It's not a prohibition against rest, but against an indulgent attachment to it that hinders productivity.
* **"lest thou come to poverty":** This clause presents the immediate and inevitable consequence of succumbing to the "love of sleep." The Hebrew word for "poverty" (yârash, in the sense of being dispossessed or ruined) indicates a state of destitution, lack, or financial ruin. It suggests that idleness directly leads to a loss of resources, opportunities, and the basic necessities of life.
* **"open thine eyes":** This is the counter-command, an antidote to the "love of sleep." It is a vivid **idiom** for waking up, being alert, observant, and proactive. It signifies a conscious choice to engage with reality, to be aware of one's responsibilities, opportunities, and the demands of life. It implies diligence, attentiveness, and a readiness to act.
* **"and thou shalt be satisfied with bread":** This clause describes the positive outcome and promised reward for those who "open their eyes" and embrace diligence. "Bread" (lechem) is a metonym for all essential provisions and sustenance, representing basic needs being met. To be "satisfied" (sâbaʻ) implies not just having enough, but experiencing fullness, contentment, and sufficiency. It speaks to a life where needs are abundantly met through industrious effort, leading to a state of well-being and security.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:13 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Antithesis** is central, contrasting the negative outcome of "loving sleep" (poverty) with the positive result of "opening one's eyes" (satisfaction with bread). This sharp opposition highlights the two divergent paths and their consequences. The phrase "love not sleep" uses **Personification**, attributing to "sleep" the quality of being an object of affection, making the warning more vivid and relatable. Similarly, "open thine eyes" functions as a **Metaphor** or **Synecdoche**, where the physical act of opening one's eyes represents a broader concept of mental and spiritual alertness, diligence, and proactive engagement. The entire verse also exhibits **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse explains or completes the thought of the first half, providing the solution and positive outcome to the problem presented initially.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on human responsibility and the dignity of labor, rooted in God's original command for humanity to "work and keep" the garden ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man to Tend the Garden")). It teaches that while God is the ultimate provider, human diligence is often the appointed means through which His provision is realized. The warning against sloth is not merely practical advice but a moral imperative, as idleness can lead to dependency, neglect of respons one's family and community, and a failure to steward God-given time and talents. The "satisfaction with bread" speaks to God's desire for His people to live in a state of sufficiency and contentment, which is often a direct result of faithful and diligent effort. This principle extends beyond material provision to spiritual diligence, urging believers to be awake and alert in their faith, actively pursuing wisdom and righteousness rather than spiritual complacency.

* [Proverbs 6:9-11](/proverbs/6-9 "Proverbs 6:9-11 - How long will you lie there, you sluggard?")
* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 20:13 offers timeless wisdom that transcends ancient agrarian society, speaking powerfully to contemporary life. It challenges us to examine our attitudes towards work, responsibility, and comfort. In a world that often glorifies ease and instant gratification, this proverb calls us to cultivate a disciplined work ethic, recognizing that true satisfaction and provision are often the fruit of consistent, diligent effort. It's a reminder that procrastination and an excessive pursuit of leisure can indeed lead to various forms of "poverty"—not just financial, but also poverty of opportunity, relationship, and spiritual vitality. To "open thine eyes" is to be present, observant, and proactive in all spheres of life, whether managing finances, pursuing education, nurturing relationships, or growing in faith. This verse encourages us to embrace the dignity of labor and the joy of seeing God bless our diligent efforts, leading to a life not just of survival, but of genuine satisfaction and sufficiency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "loving sleep" (i.e., being complacent or idle) instead of "opening my eyes" to responsibility and opportunity?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate greater diligence in my daily tasks, whether professional, personal, or spiritual?**
* **How does my understanding of God's provision influence my motivation to work diligently?**
* **Beyond material wealth, what forms of "poverty" might result from spiritual or relational laziness?**

### FAQ
**Is this proverb condemning all sleep or rest?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 20:13 is not condemning sleep or rest in general. The Hebrew word `ʼâhab` (H157), translated as "love," suggests an excessive, indulgent, or habitual affection for sleep that leads to neglect of duties. The Bible elsewhere affirms the necessity and blessing of rest, as seen in the creation account where God rested on the seventh day ([Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and the commandment to observe the Sabbath ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day")). This proverb targets sloth, laziness, and procrastination—a preference for idleness over responsible action—rather than healthy and necessary repose.

**What kind of "poverty" is implied here? Is it only financial?**

Answer: While "poverty" (derived from `yârash` H3423, implying being dispossessed or ruined) certainly includes financial destitution, the wisdom literature often uses such terms to encompass a broader sense of lack or want. This can extend to poverty of opportunity, social standing, reputation, or even spiritual vitality. A person who is habitually idle may find themselves lacking not only material resources but also meaningful relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. The "bread" (`lechem` H3899) that brings satisfaction similarly represents not just food, but overall provision and well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 20:13, with its call to diligence and promise of satisfaction, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. While the proverb speaks to earthly provision through human effort, Jesus Christ is the one who truly "opens our eyes" to spiritual realities ([Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Luke 24:45 - Jesus Opens Their Minds to Understand Scripture")) and delivers us from the spiritual poverty of sin. He is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering eternal satisfaction that transcends any earthly provision. Where human diligence can lead to temporary satisfaction with physical bread, faith in Christ leads to a spiritual fullness that never leaves one hungry or thirsty ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Moreover, Christ perfectly exemplified diligence in His earthly ministry, tirelessly pursuing the will of His Father ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food Is to Do the Will of God")) and working to accomplish salvation, even to the point of death on the cross. Through His sacrifice, He ensures that those who are "awake" to His call and diligently follow Him will never come to spiritual poverty, but will be eternally satisfied in His abundant grace and provision, inheriting true riches that do not fade ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")).

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 19:15

¶ Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Proverbs 12:11

¶ He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain [persons is] void of understanding.

Proverbs 10:4

¶ He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Proverbs 6:9

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Proverbs 6:11

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Proverbs 13:4

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