


Proverbs 20:13
Bible Versions
¶ Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
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.
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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.
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
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
This proverb remains highly relevant today, offering timeless wisdom for personal finance, career, and even spiritual life:
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.