Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. Thorns had grown up everywhereThe Hebrew word for "thorns" is "קִמּוֹשׂ" (qimmosh), which often symbolizes neglect and desolation in the Old Testament. Thorns are frequently associated with the consequences of sin and the curse upon the ground after the Fall ( Genesis 3:18). In this context, the presence of thorns indicates a lack of diligence and care, serving as a metaphor for spiritual and moral decay. The phrase "grown up everywhere" suggests a pervasive and unchecked spread, highlighting the importance of vigilance and stewardship in one's spiritual life. Just as a garden requires constant attention to prevent weeds from taking over, so too does the soul require regular nurturing through prayer, study, and obedience to God's Word. thistles had covered the ground
The term "thistles" in Hebrew is "חָרוּל" (harul), another plant that represents neglect and barrenness. Thistles, like thorns, are a result of the curse and are often used in Scripture to depict the futility and hardship that come from turning away from God. The imagery of thistles covering the ground conveys a sense of overwhelming neglect, where the once fertile and productive land has become unproductive and choked by weeds. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of spiritual laziness and the need for constant cultivation of one's faith. In a broader sense, it calls believers to be proactive in their spiritual growth, ensuring that their lives bear fruit for God's kingdom. and the stone wall was broken down
The "stone wall" in ancient times was a symbol of protection and security. Walls were essential for safeguarding cities and properties from external threats. The Hebrew word for "broken down" is "נָתַץ" (natats), which implies a deliberate or neglectful destruction. In the context of this proverb, a broken-down wall signifies vulnerability and exposure to danger. Spiritually, it represents the breakdown of moral and ethical boundaries, leaving one susceptible to the attacks of the enemy. This imagery underscores the importance of maintaining strong spiritual defenses through adherence to God's commandments and the cultivation of a disciplined life. It serves as a call to rebuild and fortify one's spiritual walls through repentance, accountability, and the pursuit of holiness. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Sluggard's FieldThis verse is part of a larger passage ( Proverbs 24:30-34) that describes the field of a sluggard, a person characterized by laziness and neglect. 2. Thorns and ThistlesThese are symbolic of neglect and the consequences of idleness. In the Bible, thorns and thistles often represent the curse of sin and the result of neglecting one's responsibilities. 3. The Stone WallRepresents protection and boundaries. Its broken state signifies vulnerability and disorder due to neglect. Teaching Points The Consequences of NeglectJust as the sluggard's field becomes overgrown with thorns and thistles, neglect in our spiritual and personal lives leads to disorder and vulnerability. Regular maintenance and diligence are necessary to prevent spiritual decay. The Importance of BoundariesThe broken stone wall signifies the importance of maintaining boundaries in our lives. Without them, we become susceptible to external threats and internal chaos. Diligence as a VirtueProverbs consistently highlights diligence as a virtue. We are called to be proactive and industrious in our spiritual walk, relationships, and responsibilities. Spiritual VigilanceJust as a field requires constant care, our spiritual lives require vigilance and regular attention to prevent the encroachment of sin and complacency. Restoration and RenewalEven if our "walls" are broken, God offers restoration. Like Nehemiah, we can rebuild and restore what has been neglected through God's strength and guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. What areas of your life resemble the sluggard's field, and how can you begin to address them with diligence? 2. How do thorns and thistles manifest in your spiritual life, and what steps can you take to remove them? 3. In what ways can you strengthen the "stone walls" or boundaries in your life to protect against spiritual and moral decay? 4. Reflect on a time when neglect led to negative consequences in your life. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future actions? 5. How can the principles of diligence and vigilance found in Proverbs 24:31 be applied to your daily walk with God and your interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures The imagery of thorns and thistles connects to Genesis 3:17-19, where thorns and thistles are part of the curse on the ground due to Adam's sin, symbolizing the consequences of disobedience and neglect. The broken wall can be related to Nehemiah 1:3, where the broken walls of Jerusalem symbolize vulnerability and the need for restoration and diligence in rebuilding. The concept of diligence versus laziness is echoed in Proverbs 6:6-11, where the ant is used as an example of industriousness and preparation. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Behold, Broken, Completely, Covered, Everywhere, Face, Full, Ground, Grown, Nettles, Overgrown, Plants, Ruins, Stone, Surface, Thereof, Thistles, Thorns, Wall, Waste, WeedsDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 24:30-31 4520 thorns
5386 leisure, nature of
8355 understanding Proverbs 24:30-34 4540 weeds
5634 work, and the fall Library The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, …
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works 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 24:31 NIVProverbs 24:31 NLTProverbs 24:31 ESVProverbs 24:31 NASBProverbs 24:31 KJV
Proverbs 24:31 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
