Proverbs 20:4
New International Version
Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

New Living Translation
Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.

English Standard Version
The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

Berean Standard Bible
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.

King James Bible
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

New King James Version
The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing.

New American Standard Bible
The lazy one does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

NASB 1995
The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

NASB 1977
The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

Legacy Standard Bible
The sluggard does not plow from winter on, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

Amplified Bible
The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives; So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap].

Christian Standard Bible
The slacker does not plow during planting season; at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The slacker does not plow during planting season; at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.

American Standard Version
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Contemporary English Version
If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest.

English Revised Version
The slothful will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A lazy person does not plow in the fall. He looks for something in the harvest but finds nothing.

Good News Translation
A farmer too lazy to plow his fields at the right time will have nothing to harvest.

International Standard Version
A lazy person doesn't plow in the proper season; he looks for a harvest, but there is nothing.

Majority Standard Bible
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.

NET Bible
The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he looks for the crop but has nothing.

New Heart English Bible
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Webster's Bible Translation
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

World English Bible
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The slothful does not plow because of winter, "" He asks in harvest, and there is nothing.

Young's Literal Translation
Because of winter the slothful plougheth not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing.

Smith's Literal Translation
The slothful one reproaching will not work: he shall ask in harvest, and nothing.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Because of the cold the sluggard would not plough: he shall beg therefore in the summer, and it shall not be given him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Because of the cold, the lazy one was not willing to plough. Therefore, in the summer, he will beg, and it will not be given to him.

New American Bible
In seedtime sluggards do not plow; when they look for the harvest, it is not there.

New Revised Standard Version
The lazy person does not plow in season; harvest comes, and there is nothing to be found.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The lazy man is reproached and he will not cease from talking; therefore he shall beg during harvest but will not receive even water.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A lazy man is reproached and does not keep silent; he begs in harvest and there is no water.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The sluggard will not plow when winter setteth in; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed: so also he who borrows corn in harvest.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Wine is a Mocker
3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. 4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. 5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.…

Cross References
Proverbs 6:6-11
Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ...

Proverbs 10:4-5
Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. / He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

Proverbs 13:4
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

Proverbs 19:15
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

Proverbs 24:30-34
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...

Ecclesiastes 11:4
He who watches the wind will fail to sow, and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap.

Matthew 25:24-30
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. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ / ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. ...

Luke 12:47-48
That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.

Luke 16:10-12
Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. / So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? / And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.

Galatians 6:7-9
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Hebrews 6:11-12
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. / Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...

James 4:17
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.


Treasury of Scripture

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

sluggard

Proverbs 10:4
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Proverbs 19:15,24
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger…

Proverbs 26:13-16
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets…

cold

Proverbs 6:10,11
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: …

Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Proverbs 24:34
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

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Autumn Beg Begs Cold Finds Food Grain-Cutting Harvest Hater Looks Plough Plougheth Ploughing Plow Reason Requesting Season Seek Slothful Sluggard Time Winter Work
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Proverbs 20
1. Proper Living














The sluggard
The term "sluggard" is derived from the Hebrew word "עָצֵל" (ʿāṣēl), which refers to someone who is habitually lazy or idle. In the context of Proverbs, the sluggard is often portrayed as a person who fails to take responsibility for their own life and future. This word serves as a warning against the dangers of laziness, which can lead to poverty and unfulfilled potential. The sluggard's behavior is contrasted with the diligence and industriousness that are commended throughout the book of Proverbs.

does not plow
Plowing is an essential agricultural activity that prepares the ground for planting. The Hebrew word "חָרַשׁ" (ḥāraš) means to plow or to engrave, indicating the effort and preparation required for a successful harvest. In ancient Israel, plowing was a labor-intensive task that required foresight and commitment. By neglecting to plow, the sluggard demonstrates a lack of foresight and a failure to prepare for the future. This phrase emphasizes the importance of hard work and preparation in achieving success.

in season
The phrase "in season" refers to the appropriate or appointed time for plowing, which in the agricultural cycle of ancient Israel would be in the autumn, before the winter rains. The Hebrew word "בַּחֹרֶף" (baḥōrep̄) signifies the time of year when the ground is most receptive to being worked. This highlights the importance of timing and seizing opportunities when they arise. The sluggard's failure to act "in season" serves as a metaphor for missing opportunities in life due to procrastination or inaction.

at harvest time
"Harvest time" is a period of reaping the rewards of one's labor. The Hebrew word "קָצִיר" (qāṣîr) refers to the time of gathering crops, a season of joy and abundance for those who have diligently worked the land. In the biblical context, harvest time is often associated with God's provision and blessing. This phrase underscores the principle of sowing and reaping, a recurring theme in Scripture that teaches the consequences of one's actions.

he looks
The act of looking, from the Hebrew "שָׁאַל" (šāʾal), implies expectation or hope. The sluggard looks with anticipation, expecting to find a harvest despite his lack of effort. This reflects a common human tendency to desire rewards without putting in the necessary work. It serves as a cautionary reminder that hope without action is futile.

but nothing is there
The phrase "but nothing is there" starkly illustrates the outcome of the sluggard's inaction. The Hebrew "וָאָיִן" (wāʾayin) conveys a sense of emptiness or absence. This outcome is a direct consequence of the sluggard's failure to plow in season. It serves as a sobering reminder that neglecting one's responsibilities and failing to prepare for the future leads to disappointment and lack. This conclusion reinforces the biblical principle that diligence and hard work are essential for a fruitful and prosperous life.

Verse 4. - The sluggard will not plough by reason of the cold; propter frigus, Vulgate. But חֹרֶפ (choreph) denotes the time of gathering - the autumn; so we would translate, "At the time of harvest the sluggard ploughs not" - just when the ground is most easily and profitably worked. "The weakness of the coulter and other parts of the plough requires that advantage be taken, in all but the most friable soils, of the softening of the surface by the winter or spring rains; so that the peasant, if industrious, has to plough in the winter, though sluggards still shrink from its cold, and have to beg in the harvest" (Geikie, 'Holy Land and Bible,' 2:491). Therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. So the Vulgate, Mendicabit ergo aestate, et non dabitur illi. But this does not accurately represent the meaning of the clause. If ever the prosperous are disposed to relieve the needy, it would be at the time when they have safely garnered their produce; an appeal to their charity at such a moment would not be made in vain. Rather the sentence signifies that the lazy man, having neglected to have his land ploughed at the proper time, "when he asks (for his fruits) at harvest time, there is nothing." He puts off tilling his fields day after day, or never looks to see if his labourers do their duty, and so his land is not cultivated, and he has no crop to reap when autumn comes. "By the street of By-and-by one arrives at the house of Never" (Spanish proverb). Taking a different interpretation of the word choreph, the LXX. renders, "Being reproached, the sluggard is not ashamed, no more than he who borrows corn in harvest."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The sluggard
עָצֵ֣ל (‘ā·ṣêl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6102: Sluggish, lazy

does not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

plow
יַחֲרֹ֑שׁ (ya·ḥă·rōš)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise

in season;
מֵ֭חֹרֶף (mê·ḥō·rep̄)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2779: The crop gathered, the autumn, season, ripeness of age

at harvest time
בַּקָּצִ֣יר (baq·qā·ṣîr)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7105: Severed, harvest, the crop, the time, the reaper, a limb

he looks,
וְשָׁאַ֖ל (wə·šā·’al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

but nothing is there.
וָאָֽיִן׃ (wā·’ā·yin)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 20:3
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