Proverbs 13:4
New International Version
A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

New Living Translation
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

English Standard Version
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Berean Standard Bible
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

King James Bible
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

New King James Version
The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

New American Standard Bible
The soul of the lazy one craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made prosperous.

NASB 1995
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat.

NASB 1977
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat.

Legacy Standard Bible
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is enriched.

Amplified Bible
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.

Christian Standard Bible
The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied.

American Standard Version
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Contemporary English Version
No matter how much you want, laziness won't help a bit, but hard work will reward you with more than enough.

English Revised Version
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A lazy person craves food and there is none, but the appetite of hard-working people is satisfied.

Good News Translation
No matter how much a lazy person may want something, he will never get it. A hard worker will get everything he wants.

International Standard Version
The lazy person craves, yet receives nothing, but the desires of the diligent are satisfied.

Majority Standard Bible
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

NET Bible
The appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing, but the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.

New Heart English Bible
The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.

Webster's Bible Translation
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

World English Bible
The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The soul of the slothful is desiring, and does not have. And the soul of the diligent is made fat.

Young's Literal Translation
The soul of the slothful is desiring, and hath not. And the soul of the diligent is made fat.

Smith's Literal Translation
The soul of the slothful one desiring, and nothing: and the soul of the active shall be made fat.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The sluggard willeth and willeth not: but the soul of them that work, shall be made fat.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The lazy one is willing and then not willing. But the soul of he who labors shall be made fat.

New American Bible
The appetite of the sluggard craves but has nothing, but the appetite of the diligent is amply satisfied.

New Revised Standard Version
The appetite of the lazy craves, and gets nothing, while the appetite of the diligent is richly supplied.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A sluggard is always craving; but the soul of the diligent shall be enriched.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A man that does not work always falls into lusts and the soul of the strong will grow fat.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be abundantly gratified.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Every slothful man desires, but the hands of the active are diligent.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Father's Discipline
3He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. 4The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. 5The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.…

Cross References
Proverbs 10:4
Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

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 12:24
The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

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 20:4
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.

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 10:18
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.

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.

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. ...

Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Romans 12:11
Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,

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.


Treasury of Scripture

The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

desireth

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

Proverbs 12:11,24
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding…

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

but

Proverbs 2:2-9
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; …

Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

John 6:27
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

made

Proverbs 11:25
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Proverbs 28:25
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Psalm 92:14
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

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Abundantly Craves Desire Desires Desireth Desiring Diligent Fat Fully Gets Gratified Hard Hater Richly Satisfied Slothful Sluggard Sluggard's Soul Supplied Work Workers
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Abundantly Craves Desire Desires Desireth Desiring Diligent Fat Fully Gets Gratified Hard Hater Richly Satisfied Slothful Sluggard Sluggard's Soul Supplied Work Workers
Proverbs 13
1. a scoffer does not listen to rebuke














The slacker craves yet has nothing
This phrase highlights the consequences of laziness and lack of effort. In biblical context, the sluggard is often depicted as someone who desires the benefits of hard work but is unwilling to put in the necessary effort. Proverbs frequently contrasts the sluggard with the diligent, emphasizing the importance of hard work and responsibility (Proverbs 6:6-11). The cultural context of ancient Israel was agrarian, where hard work was essential for survival. The slacker's cravings are unfulfilled because he does not take action to meet his needs, reflecting a broader biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied
This part of the verse underscores the rewards of diligence and perseverance. The diligent person is one who applies themselves consistently and with purpose, leading to fulfillment and satisfaction. In the biblical narrative, diligence is often associated with wisdom and righteousness (Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 12:24). The satisfaction mentioned here is not merely material but also spiritual and emotional, aligning with the biblical teaching that true contentment comes from living according to God's principles (Philippians 4:11-13). The diligent are often seen as stewards of God's creation, reflecting the image of God in their work ethic and integrity. This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who exemplified perfect diligence in His earthly ministry, fulfilling His mission with complete dedication and ultimately finding satisfaction in doing the will of the Father (John 4:34).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Sluggard
A person characterized by laziness and a lack of effort. In the context of Proverbs, the sluggard is often depicted as someone who desires success or fulfillment but is unwilling to put in the necessary work to achieve it.

2. The Diligent
This person is the opposite of the sluggard, characterized by hard work, perseverance, and a proactive attitude. The diligent person is rewarded with satisfaction and fulfillment as a result of their efforts.

3. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often contrast the outcomes of wise versus foolish behavior.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of the Proverbs, where agricultural and manual labor were common, making the themes of diligence and laziness particularly relevant.

5. Wisdom Literature
Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and others.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Laziness
Laziness leads to unfulfilled desires and lack of satisfaction. The sluggard's cravings remain unmet because they do not take action.

The Rewards of Diligence
Diligence leads to satisfaction and fulfillment. The diligent person experiences the fruit of their labor, both materially and spiritually.

Spiritual Diligence
Just as diligence is important in work, it is also crucial in spiritual matters. Regular prayer, Bible study, and service are ways to cultivate spiritual diligence.

God's Design for Work
Work is part of God's design for humanity. It is not only a means of provision but also a way to glorify God and serve others.

Balancing Work and Rest
While diligence is important, it is also essential to balance work with rest, as modeled by God in creation.Verse 4. - (Comp. Proverbs 10:4.) The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; literally, and nothing is there - he gains nothing (Proverbs 14:6; Proverbs 20:4). He has the wish, but not the will, and the empty wish without corresponding exertion is useless (Proverbs 21:25, etc.). Vulgate, "The indolent wishers, and wishes not;" he wishes for something, but he wishes not for the labour of getting it; he would like the result, but he hates the process by which the result is to be obtained. Septuagint, "In desires every idle man is occupied;" his mind is fixed wholly on aimless wishes, not on action. Shall be made fat (Proverbs 11:25); Septuagint, "The hands of the valiant are fully occupied (ἐν ἐπιμελείᾳ)."

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

craves,
מִתְאַוָּ֣ה (miṯ·’aw·wāh)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 183: To incline, desire

yet [gets] nothing,
וָ֭אַיִן (wā·’a·yin)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

but the soul
נַפְשׁ֣וֹ (nap̄·šōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

of the diligent
חָרֻצִ֣ים (ḥā·ru·ṣîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2742: Incised, incisive, a trench, gold, a threshing-sledge, determination, eager

is fully satisfied.
תְּדֻשָּֽׁן׃ (tə·ḏuš·šān)
Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1878: To be fat, to fatten, to anoint, to satisfy, to remove, ashes


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desires (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 13:3
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