⁶ 
Go to the ant, O lazy one;
Observe her ways and be wise,^(A)
7 
Which, having no chief,
Overseer or ruler,
⁸ 
She prepares her food in the summer
And brings in her provisions [of food for the winter] in the harvest.
⁹ 
How long will you lie down, O lazy one?
When will you arise from your sleep [and learn self-discipline]?^(B)
10 
“Yet a little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to lie down and rest”—
¹¹ 
So your poverty will come like an approaching prowler who walks [slowly, but surely]
And your need [will come] like an armed man [making you helpless].^(C)

⁴ 
Poor is he who works with a negligent and idle hand,
But the hand of the diligent makes him rich.
⁵ 
He who gathers during summer and takes advantage of his opportunities is a son who acts wisely,
But he who sleeps during harvest and ignores the moment of opportunity is a son who acts shamefully.

²⁶ 
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy one to those who send him to work.