Proverbs 28:19

¶ He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough.

He that tilleth {H5647} his land {H127} shall have plenty {H7646} of bread {H3899}: but he that followeth {H7291} after vain {H7386} persons shall have poverty enough {H7389}.

He who farms his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows futilities will have plenty of poverty.

The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

Commentary

Proverbs 28:19 (KJV) presents a stark contrast between two paths to livelihood, emphasizing the foundational principles of diligence and discernment in associations.

Context

This verse is part of the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom sayings that offer practical guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life according to God's principles. Written largely by King Solomon, these proverbs often use agricultural and daily life metaphors to convey timeless truths. In an agrarian society, "tilling his land" was the primary means of providing for oneself and one's family, making the imagery immediately relatable. The book frequently contrasts the diligent with the lazy, and the wise with the foolish, highlighting the natural consequences of one's choices and actions. Many proverbs, like Proverbs 10:4, reiterate the blessing that comes from hard work and diligence.

Key Themes

  • Diligence and Prosperity: The first part of the verse, "He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread," affirms the direct correlation between diligent labor and abundant provision. It speaks to a divine principle that consistent effort, focus, and stewardship of one's responsibilities lead to success and security. This is not merely about physical farming but any productive engagement with one's duties and talents.
  • The Peril of Vain Associations: The second part, "but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough," warns against idleness and, more specifically, the detrimental influence of one's companions. The phrase "vain [persons]" (Hebrew: reqim, רֵקִים) refers to those who are empty, idle, worthless, or frivolous—individuals lacking substance, purpose, or productive habits. Associating with such individuals, or pursuing their empty pursuits, leads inevitably to destitution, both material and spiritual. This echoes the wisdom found in Proverbs 13:20, which warns against the destruction that comes from walking with fools.
  • Wisdom vs. Folly: At its core, the verse is a wisdom lesson, contrasting the path of wisdom (diligence, productive living) with the path of folly (idleness, bad company), and clearly outlining the respective outcomes.

Linguistic Insight

The term "vain [persons]" is translated from the Hebrew word reqim (רֵקִים), which literally means "empty" or "worthless." It can refer to individuals who are idle, shiftless, or pursue frivolous and unproductive things. This emphasizes that the danger isn't just association with morally bad people, but with those who offer no substance, direction, or productive contribution, leading to a life of futility and lack. The contrast with "tilleth his land" (Hebrew: 'obed 'adamah, עֹבֵד אֲדָמָה, "serving the ground") highlights the difference between productive engagement and empty pursuits.

Practical Application

While the verse uses agricultural imagery, its principles are universally applicable today. It encourages a strong work ethic in any field, whether professional, academic, or personal. Success and provision often follow consistent, diligent effort. Conversely, the warning about "vain persons" is highly relevant: our choices of friends, mentors, and even the media and entertainment we consume significantly shape our values, habits, and ultimately, our destiny. As 1 Corinthians 15:33 famously states, "evil communications corrupt good manners." This proverb reminds us to choose our influences wisely and to invest our time and energy in productive pursuits rather than idle distractions or unprofitable relationships, ensuring spiritual and material well-being.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 12:11

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

  • Luke 15:12

    And the younger of them said to [his] father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth [to me]. And he divided unto them [his] living.

  • Luke 15:17

    And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

  • Proverbs 27:23

    ¶ Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds.

  • Proverbs 27:27

    And [thou shalt have] goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and [for] the maintenance for thy maidens.

  • Judges 9:4

    And they gave him threescore and ten [pieces] of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

  • Proverbs 23:20

    Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
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