Proverbs 20:4
2 The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
5 The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6 Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
- KJV
- The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
- WEB
- The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
- ASV
- The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
- DARBY
- The sluggard will not plough by reason of the winter; he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
- BLB
- From autumn a lazy one will not will plow, and he begs in the harvest, and [there is] nothing.
- ÅB
- Om vinteren vil den late ikke pløye, derfor søker han forgjeves etter grøde om høsten.
- OTB
- Den late pløyer ikke i sesongen; så ved innhøstingstiden ser de og finner ingenting.
- B1930
- Om vinteren vil den late ikke pløie, derfor søker han forgjeves efter grøde om høsten.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Proverbs 10:4
Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Read in contextProverbs 19:15
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
Read in contextProverbs 13:4
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
Read in contextMatthew 25:24–28
Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
Read in contextMatthew 25:3–10
The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.
Read in context2 Peter 1:5–11
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
Read in contextProverbs 26:13–16
The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”
Read in contextProverbs 24:34
and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
Read in context