The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. The soul of the sluggardThe term "soul" in Hebrew is "nephesh," which often refers to the inner being or life force of a person. It encompasses desires, emotions, and the essence of life. The "sluggard" is a recurring character in Proverbs, representing laziness and a lack of initiative. The Hebrew word for sluggard is "ʿāṣēl," which conveys a sense of sluggishness and inactivity. Historically, the sluggard is depicted as someone who desires the benefits of hard work but is unwilling to exert the necessary effort. This phrase highlights the internal struggle and unfulfilled desires of those who choose idleness over diligence. craves, yet gets nothing
The word "craves" suggests a deep longing or desire, indicating that the sluggard has strong wants or needs. However, the phrase "yet gets nothing" underscores the futility of desire without action. In the Hebrew context, this reflects a principle seen throughout Scripture: that mere wishing without corresponding effort leads to emptiness. The sluggard's cravings remain unmet because they do not translate into productive action. This serves as a warning against the dangers of complacency and the importance of aligning desires with diligent effort. but the soul of the diligent
In contrast to the sluggard, the "diligent" person is characterized by consistent and earnest effort. The Hebrew word for diligent is "ḥārûṣ," which implies sharpness, decisiveness, and industriousness. This term is often associated with a person who is proactive and committed to their tasks. The "soul" of the diligent, like that of the sluggard, refers to their inner being, but it is marked by a different quality—one of purpose and determination. This phrase sets up a stark contrast between two types of people and their approaches to life. is fully satisfied
The phrase "is fully satisfied" speaks to the fulfillment and contentment that comes from hard work and perseverance. In Hebrew, the word "satisfied" is "šāḇaʿ," which conveys a sense of being filled or having one's needs met. This satisfaction is not merely material but also spiritual and emotional, reflecting a holistic sense of well-being. The diligent person experiences the rewards of their labor, both in tangible results and in the deeper satisfaction of having achieved their goals. This serves as an encouragement to pursue diligence as a path to true fulfillment. Persons / Places / Events 1. The SluggardA person characterized by laziness and a lack of effort. In the context of Proverbs, the sluggard is often depicted as someone who desires success or fulfillment but is unwilling to put in the necessary work to achieve it. 2. The DiligentThis person is the opposite of the sluggard, characterized by hard work, perseverance, and a proactive attitude. The diligent person is rewarded with satisfaction and fulfillment as a result of their efforts. 3. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often contrast the outcomes of wise versus foolish behavior. 4. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of the Proverbs, where agricultural and manual labor were common, making the themes of diligence and laziness particularly relevant. 5. Wisdom LiteratureProverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and others. Teaching Points The Consequences of LazinessLaziness leads to unfulfilled desires and lack of satisfaction. The sluggard's cravings remain unmet because they do not take action. The Rewards of DiligenceDiligence leads to satisfaction and fulfillment. The diligent person experiences the fruit of their labor, both materially and spiritually. Spiritual DiligenceJust as diligence is important in work, it is also crucial in spiritual matters. Regular prayer, Bible study, and service are ways to cultivate spiritual diligence. God's Design for WorkWork is part of God's design for humanity. It is not only a means of provision but also a way to glorify God and serve others. Balancing Work and RestWhile diligence is important, it is also essential to balance work with rest, as modeled by God in creation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the contrast between the sluggard and the diligent in Proverbs 13:4 challenge your current work habits? 2. In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to be diligent, and how can you apply biblical principles to improve? 3. How does understanding the original Hebrew word for "soul" (nephesh) as the whole being affect your interpretation of this proverb? 4. How can you apply the principle of diligence in Proverbs 13:4 to your spiritual life, and what specific steps can you take to be more spiritually diligent? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the satisfaction of diligence. How can this memory motivate you to continue being diligent in other areas? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 6:6-11This passage also contrasts the sluggard with the diligent, using the ant as an example of industriousness and preparation. Ecclesiastes 9:10Encourages doing whatever your hand finds to do with all your might, emphasizing the value of diligence in all endeavors. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12Paul addresses the importance of working and not being idle, reinforcing the principle that those who are unwilling to work should not expect to eat. Colossians 3:23-24Encourages believers to work heartily as for the Lord, not for men, highlighting the spiritual dimension of diligence. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Abundantly, Craves, Desire, Desires, Desireth, Desiring, Diligent, Fat, Fully, Gets, Gratified, Hater, Nothing, Richly, Satisfied, Slothful, Sluggard, Sluggard's, Soul, Supplied, WorkersDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 13:4 5343 idleness
5539 sluggard
5634 work, and the fall
5833 diligence
5839 dissatisfaction Library The Tillage of the Poor
'Much food is in the tillage of the poor.'--PROVERBS xiii. 23. Palestine was a land of small peasant proprietors, and the institution of the Jubilee was intended to prevent the acquisition of large estates by any Israelite. The consequence, as intended, was a level of modest prosperity. It was 'the tillage of the poor,' the careful, diligent husbandry of the man who had only a little patch of land to look after, that filled the storehouses of the Holy Land. Hence the proverb of our text arose. It …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Poor Rich and the Rich Poor
'There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.'--PROVERBS xiii. 7. Two singularly-contrasted characters are set in opposition here. One, that of a man who lives like a millionaire and is a pauper; another, that of a man who lives like a pauper and is rich. The latter character, that of a man who hides and hoards his wealth, was, perhaps, more common in the days when this collection of Proverbs was put together, because in all ill-governed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Practical Methods of Studying the Old Testament
[Sidenote: The various methods of approach] The Old Testament may be studied as literature, as history, as the record of an important stage in the evolution of religion, as the revelation of God to the race, or as a practical aid to the individual in living the true life. Each angle of approach calls for different methods and yields its correspondingly rich results. Studied in accordance with the canons of modern literary investigation, a literature is disclosed of surpassing variety, beauty, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Song of the Redeemed
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou ... hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation ... T he extent, variety, and order of the creation, proclaim the glory of God. He is likewise, ^* Maximus in Minimis . The smallest of the works, that we are capable of examining, such for instance as the eye or the wing of a little insect, the creature of a day, are stamped with an inimitable impression of His wisdom and power. Thus in His written Word, there …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And this is his Commandment," &C.
1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment," &c. There are different tempers of mind among men, some more smooth and pliable, others more refractory and froward. Some may be persuaded by love, who cannot be constrained by fear. With some a request will more prevail than a command. Others again are of a harsher disposition. Love and condescension doth rather embolden them, and therefore they must be restrained with the bridle of authority. It would seem that the Lord hath some regard to this in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Second Sunday after Easter
Text: First Peter 2, 20-25. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory Not," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not," &c. It is a common evil of those who hear the gospel, that they are not delivered up to the mould and frame of religion that is holden out in it, but rather bring religion into a mould of their own invention. It was the special commendation of the Romans, that they obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine into which they were delivered, (Rom. vi. 17) that they who were once servants, or slaves of sin, had now …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 13:4 NIVProverbs 13:4 NLTProverbs 13:4 ESVProverbs 13:4 NASBProverbs 13:4 KJV
Proverbs 13:4 Commentaries
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