Proverbs 6:6-11
Amplified Bible
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)
Proverbs 10:4-5
Amplified Bible
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.
Proverbs 10:26
Amplified Bible
26
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy one to those who send him to work.
Proverbs 12:11
Amplified Bible
11
He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows worthless things lacks common sense and good judgment.
Proverbs 12:24
Amplified Bible
24
The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the negligent and lazy will be put to forced labor.
Proverbs 12:27
Amplified Bible
27
The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey,
But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].
Proverbs 13:4
Amplified Bible
4
The soul (appetite) of the lazy person craves and gets nothing [for lethargy overcomes ambition],
But the soul (appetite) of the diligent [who works willingly] is rich and abundantly supplied.(A)
Proverbs 14:4
Amplified Bible
4
Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,
But much revenue [because of good crops] comes by the strength of the ox.
Proverbs 14:23
Amplified Bible
23
In all labor there is profit,
But mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 15:19
Amplified Bible
19
The way of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns [it pricks, lacerates, and entangles him],
But the way [of life] of the upright is smooth and open like a highway.
Proverbs 16:26
Amplified Bible
26
The appetite of a worker works for him,
For his hunger urges him on.
Proverbs 18:9
Amplified Bible
9
He who is careless in his work
Is a brother to him who destroys.
Proverbs 19:15
Amplified Bible
15
Laziness casts one into a deep sleep [unmindful of lost opportunity],
And the idle person will suffer hunger.
Proverbs 19:24
Amplified Bible
24
The lazy man buries his hand in the [food] dish,
But will not even bring it to his mouth again.
Proverbs 20:4
Amplified Bible
4
The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives;
So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap].
Proverbs 20:13
Amplified Bible
13
Do not love [excessive] sleep, or you will become poor;
Open your eyes [so that you can do your work] and you will be satisfied with bread.
Proverbs 21:17
Amplified Bible
17
He who loves [only selfish] pleasure will become a poor man;
He who loves and is devoted to [a]wine and [olive] oil will not become rich.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 21:17 I.e. items associated with lavish feasting and excessive luxury.
Proverbs 21:25-26
Amplified Bible
25
The desire of the lazy kills him,
For his hands refuse to labor;
26
He craves all the day long [and does no work],
But the righteous [willingly] gives and does not withhold [what he has].(A)
Proverbs 22:29
Amplified Bible
29
Do you see a man skillful and experienced in his work?
He will stand [in honor] before kings;
He will not stand before obscure men.
Proverbs 24:27
Amplified Bible
27
Prepare your work outside
And get it ready for yourself in the field;
[a]Afterward build your house and establish a home.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 24:27 Establishing your priorities and proceeding in an orderly manner brings its own reward.
Proverbs 24:30-34
Amplified Bible
30
I went by the field of the lazy man,
And by the vineyard of the man lacking understanding and common sense;
31
And, behold, it was all overgrown with thorns,
And nettles were covering its surface,
And its stone wall was broken down.
32
When I saw, I considered it well;
I looked and received instruction.
33
“Yet a little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest [and daydream],”
34
Then your poverty will come as a robber,
And your want like an armed man.
Proverbs 26:14
Amplified Bible
14
As the door turns on its hinges,
So does the lazy person on his bed [never getting out of it].
Proverbs 27:18
Amplified Bible
18
He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit,
And he who faithfully protects and cares for his master will be honored.(A)
Proverbs 27:23-27
Amplified Bible
23
Be diligent to know the condition of your flocks,
And pay attention to your herds;
24
For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25
When the grass is gone, the new growth is seen,
And herbs of the mountain are gathered in,
26
The lambs will supply wool for your clothing,
And the goats will bring the price of a field.
27
And there will be enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And for the maintenance of your maids.
Proverbs 28:19
Amplified Bible
19
He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows worthless people and frivolous pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
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