Verse (Click for Chapter) 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 VersionThe 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 BibleBecause 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 BibleThe 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 1917The 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. Jump to Previous Autumn Beg Begs Cold Finds Food Grain-Cutting Harvest Hater Looks Plough Plougheth Ploughing Plow Reason Requesting Season Seek Slothful Sluggard Time Winter WorkJump to Next Autumn Beg Begs Cold Finds Food Grain-Cutting Harvest Hater Looks Plough Plougheth Ploughing Plow Reason Requesting Season Seek Slothful Sluggard Time Winter WorkProverbs 20 1. Proper LivingThe slacker does not plow in season; This phrase highlights the importance of diligence and timely action. In ancient agrarian societies, plowing was a critical task that had to be done at the right time to ensure a successful harvest. The "slacker" represents a person who neglects their responsibilities, failing to prepare when the opportunity is present. This concept is echoed in Proverbs 6:6-11, where the ant is praised for its industriousness and foresight. The biblical principle of sowing and reaping is evident here, emphasizing that neglecting one's duties leads to inevitable consequences. The idea of seasons is also significant, as it reflects the natural order established by God, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, where there is a time for every activity under heaven. at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. Persons / Places / Events 1. The SluggardA recurring character in Proverbs, representing laziness and a lack of diligence. The sluggard is often used as a cautionary example of what not to be. 2. Plowing Season A critical time for agricultural societies, representing the period when work must be done to ensure a future harvest. It symbolizes preparation and diligence. 3. Harvest Time The time of reaping what has been sown. It represents the results of one's labor and the consequences of one's actions. Teaching Points The Importance of DiligenceDiligence in our work and spiritual lives is crucial. Just as the sluggard misses the opportunity to plow, we must not miss opportunities to grow and serve. Consequences of Laziness Laziness leads to lack and disappointment. The sluggard's failure to act results in an empty harvest, teaching us that neglecting responsibilities has consequences. Spiritual Preparation Just as plowing prepares the ground for harvest, we must prepare our hearts and lives for spiritual growth and blessings. Seizing the Right Season Recognize and act in the appropriate seasons of life. There is a time for every purpose, and missing these times can lead to missed blessings. Personal Responsibility We are responsible for our actions and their outcomes. The sluggard's plight is a reminder that we must take ownership of our duties and their results.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 sluggardעָצֵ֣ל (‘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 Links Proverbs 20:4 NIVProverbs 20:4 NLT Proverbs 20:4 ESV Proverbs 20:4 NASB Proverbs 20:4 KJV Proverbs 20:4 BibleApps.com Proverbs 20:4 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 20:4 Chinese Bible Proverbs 20:4 French Bible Proverbs 20:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason (Prov. 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