20:12 20:12

Proverbs 20:13

20:14 20:14

Bible Versions

¶ Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
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}.
If you love sleep, you will become poor; keep your eyes open, and you'll have plenty of food.
Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

Proverbs 20:13 delivers a sharp warning against idleness, directly linking a love for sleep with the path to poverty. Conversely, it promises provision and satisfaction for those who are diligent and proactive. This verse underscores the foundational biblical principle that hard work and attentiveness lead to security and well-being, while laziness invites scarcity.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom, offering practical guidance for daily living, often contrasting the ways of the wise and the foolish. This particular verse fits within a larger theme found throughout Proverbs that emphasizes the value of diligence and the dangers of sloth. Many proverbs highlight the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities, whether in agricultural pursuits, business, or general life management. It's a call to embrace a diligent work ethic as a key component of a flourishing life, warning against the temptation to indulge in excessive rest when work needs to be done. For example, similar warnings are found in Proverbs 6:10-11 and Proverbs 24:30-34, which depict the desolate field of the sluggard.

Key Themes

  • Diligence vs. Sloth: The verse directly contrasts a "love of sleep" (representing idleness and procrastination) with the necessity of "opening one's eyes" (symbolizing alertness, proactivity, and hard work). It’s a call to active engagement rather than passive comfort.
  • Consequences of Idleness: The immediate result of loving sleep is specified as coming "to poverty." This isn't merely a lack of material possessions but can also imply a general state of want, insufficiency, and inability to meet basic needs.
  • Reward of Labor: The positive outcome of diligence is "satisfied with bread." This phrase signifies not just having enough food, but also contentment, security, and general provision. It speaks to a life where essential needs are met through industrious effort.
  • Personal Responsibility: The verse places the onus on the individual to choose between the path of ease leading to want, and the path of effort leading to sufficiency.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "love not sleep" uses the Hebrew word ’ahab (אָהַב), which denotes a deep affection or devotion. This emphasizes that it's not just occasional rest that's problematic, but an excessive, indulgent attachment to idleness that becomes detrimental.
  • "Poverty" comes from the Hebrew resh (רֵישׁ), often meaning destitution, want, or beggary.
  • "Open thine eyes" is a vivid idiom for waking up, being alert, being observant, and being active. It suggests a conscious choice to be aware of one's responsibilities and opportunities.
  • "Satisfied with bread" (śāḇa‘ with leḥem) implies sufficiency, contentment, and having one's basic needs met, not just a meager existence. It points to the blessing of God accompanying human diligence, as seen in verses like Proverbs 10:4: "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich."

Practical Application

This proverb remains highly relevant today, offering timeless wisdom for personal finance, career, and even spiritual life:

  • Work Ethic: It encourages a strong work ethic, urging individuals to be diligent and avoid procrastination. Success and provision often require consistent effort and discipline.
  • Financial Prudence: The verse serves as a reminder that financial stability is often a direct result of diligence and responsible management, while excessive laziness can lead to financial distress.
  • Spiritual Diligence: Beyond material provision, the principle can extend to spiritual growth. "Opening one's eyes" can signify being spiritually alert, pursuing God's wisdom, and actively engaging with His word, rather than being spiritually complacent.
  • Avoiding Complacency: It challenges us to be proactive and engaged in all areas of life, rather than succumbing to complacency or a desire for constant ease.

Reflection

Proverbs 20:13 is a powerful call to action, urging us to embrace diligence and reject the seductive allure of idleness. It promises that the reward for being awake, alert, and proactive is not just sustenance, but true satisfaction and provision. This ancient wisdom reminds us that our choices regarding effort and responsibility have tangible consequences, guiding us towards a life of sufficiency and contentment through purposeful labor.

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.

  • 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.
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