Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. New Living Translation A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. English Standard Version Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Berean Standard Bible The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment. King James Bible He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. New King James Version He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. New American Standard Bible One who works his land will have plenty of bread, But one who pursues worthless things lacks sense. NASB 1995 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense. NASB 1977 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who pursues vain things lacks sense. Legacy Standard Bible He who cultivates his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who pursues empty things lacks a heart of wisdom. Amplified Bible He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows worthless things lacks common sense and good judgment. Christian Standard Bible The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense. Holman Christian Standard Bible The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense. American Standard Version He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding. Contemporary English Version Hard working farmers have more than enough food; daydreamers are nothing more than stupid fools. English Revised Version He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding. GOD'S WORD® Translation Whoever works his land will have plenty to eat, but the one who chases unrealistic dreams has no sense. Good News Translation A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat, but it is stupid to waste time on useless projects. International Standard Version Whoever tills his soil will have a lot to eat, but anyone who pursues fantasies lacks sense. NET Bible The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever chases daydreams lacks wisdom. New Heart English Bible He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding. Webster's Bible Translation He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment. World English Bible He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhoever is tilling the ground is satisfied [with] bread, "" And whoever is pursuing vanities is lacking heart, Young's Literal Translation Whoso is tilling the ground is satisfied with bread, And whoso is pursuing vanities is lacking heart, Smith's Literal Translation He working his earth shall be filled with bread: and he pursuing vain things wanted heart. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that pursueth idleness is very foolish. He that is delighted in passing his time over wine, leaveth a reproach in his strong holds. Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever continually pursues leisure is most foolish. Whoever is soothed by lingering over wine leaves behind contempt in his strongholds. New American Bible Those who till their own land have food in plenty, but those who engage in idle pursuits lack sense. New Revised Standard Version Those who till their land will have plenty of food, but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he who follows vain pursuits lacks understanding. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He that cultivates the soil will be filled with bread, and he that runs after futility is devoid of reason. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain things is void of understanding. Brenton Septuagint Translation He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Loving Discipline and Knowledge…10A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty. 11The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment. 12The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.… Cross References Proverbs 28:19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. 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. Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Proverbs 13:4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. Proverbs 14:23 There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 20:13 Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. Proverbs 21:25-26 The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. / All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint. 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 10:18 Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks. Matthew 25:26-30 ‘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. / Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. / Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. ... Luke 12:42-46 And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. ... 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. 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. 1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Treasury of Scripture He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows vain persons is void of understanding. tilleth Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. Proverbs 14:4,23 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox… Proverbs 27:27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens. he that followeth Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 4:14,15 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men… Proverbs 6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. Jump to Previous Abundant Bread Chases Fantasies Followeth Follows Food Foolish Goes Ground Heart Judgment Lacks Persons Plenty Pursues Pursuing Pursuits Satisfied Sense Short Tilleth Tilling Tills Understanding Vain Vanities Void Work Works WorthlessJump to Next Abundant Bread Chases Fantasies Followeth Follows Food Foolish Goes Ground Heart Judgment Lacks Persons Plenty Pursues Pursuing Pursuits Satisfied Sense Short Tilleth Tilling Tills Understanding Vain Vanities Void Work Works WorthlessProverbs 12 1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledgeThe one who works his land will have plenty of food This phrase emphasizes the value of diligent labor and the rewards it brings. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, working the land was a common occupation, and success depended on consistent effort and God's blessing. The principle here aligns with the broader biblical theme that hard work leads to provision (Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 28:19). The land was a gift from God to the Israelites, and their stewardship of it was both a practical necessity and a spiritual duty. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul encourages believers to work quietly and earn their own living (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ's work in the believer's life, where spiritual diligence leads to spiritual fruitfulness (John 15:5). but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment Persons / Places / Events 1. The Diligent WorkerThis person represents those who are committed to their responsibilities and work hard to provide for themselves and their families. They are characterized by their dedication and practical approach to life. 2. The Dreamer This individual symbolizes those who pursue unrealistic or impractical goals without putting in the necessary effort. They are often distracted by fantasies and lack the discernment to focus on what is truly important. 3. The Land In the context of ancient Israel, land was a vital resource for sustenance and prosperity. It represents the opportunities and responsibilities God provides to each person. 4. Food/Provision This refers to the basic necessities of life that are obtained through diligent work. It symbolizes God's provision for those who are faithful in their duties. 5. Judgment This term highlights the ability to make wise decisions. In the Hebrew text, the word used is (lev), which often refers to the heart or mind, indicating the inner capacity for discernment and understanding. Teaching Points The Value of DiligenceDiligence in our work is a biblical principle that leads to provision and stability. God honors those who faithfully steward the opportunities He provides. The Danger of Fantasies Pursuing unrealistic dreams without effort can lead to disappointment and lack. Christians are called to be wise stewards of their time and resources. Discernment in Decision-Making Exercising good judgment is crucial in distinguishing between worthwhile pursuits and mere fantasies. Seeking God's wisdom through prayer and scripture is essential. Contentment with God's Provision Trusting in God's provision and being content with what He provides through our labor is a mark of spiritual maturity. Balancing Dreams and Reality While it is important to have dreams and aspirations, they should be grounded in reality and pursued with diligence and prayerful consideration. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 12What is the Bible's perspective on capitalism? Why not learn diligence from the ant's example? What defines a godly husband? When should you search and when should you give up?(11) Vain persons.--Or, things, such as "searching for hid treasures" (Proverbs 2:4).Verse 11. - A contrast between industry and idleness, repeated at Proverbs 28:19. He that tilleth his land. Agriculture was the first of industries, and always highly commended among the Jews, bringing a sure return to the diligent (Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 20:4; Proverbs 27:18, 23-27; and Ecclus. 20:28). He that followeth after vain persons; rather, vain things; μάταια, Septuagint, empty, useless employments, profitless business, in contrast to active labour on the land. The Vulgate renders, qui sectatur otium, "he who studieth ease;" but the original, reikim, will not bear this meaning. Is void of understanding; he not only, as is implied, will be reduced to poverty, but shows moral weakness and depravity. The Septuagint and Vulgate here introduce a paragraph not found in our Hebrew text: "He who takes pleasure (ὅς ἐστιν ἡδύς) in carouses of wine will leave disgrace in his strongholds (ὀχυρώμασι)" (Isaiah 28:7, 8; Habakkuk 2:16). Probably this verse is derived from the following, with some corruption of the text. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He who worksעֹבֵ֣ד (‘ō·ḇêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave his land אַ֭דְמָתוֹ (’aḏ·mā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 127: Ground, land will have plenty of יִֽשְׂבַּֽע־ (yiś·ba‘-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7646: To be sated, satisfied or surfeited food, לָ֑חֶם (lā·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain but whoever chases וּמְרַדֵּ֖ף (ū·mə·rad·dêp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute fantasies רֵיקִ֣ים (rê·qîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7386: Empty, worthless lacks חֲסַר־ (ḥă·sar-) Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 2638: Needy, lacking, in want of judgment. לֵֽב׃ (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre Links Proverbs 12:11 NIVProverbs 12:11 NLT Proverbs 12:11 ESV Proverbs 12:11 NASB Proverbs 12:11 KJV Proverbs 12:11 BibleApps.com Proverbs 12:11 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 12:11 Chinese Bible Proverbs 12:11 French Bible Proverbs 12:11 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:11 He who tills his land shall have (Prov. 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