Proverbs 10:4
Proverbs 10:4 in Multiple Translations
Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand; But the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
He who is slow in his work becomes poor, but the hand of the ready worker gets in wealth.
Lazy hands make you poor, but hard-working hands make you rich.
A slouthfull hand maketh poore: but the hand of the diligent maketh riche.
Poor [is] he who is working — a slothful hand, And the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
The slothful hand hath wrought poverty: but the hand of the industrious getteth riches. He that trusteth to lies feedeth the winds: and the same runneth after birds that fly away.
Lazy people soon become poor; it is those who work hard who become rich.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 10:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָ֗אשׁ
עֹשֶׂ֥ה
כַף
רְמִיָּ֑ה
וְ/יַ֖ד
חָרוּצִ֣ים
תַּעֲשִֽׁיר
רָ֗אשׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
N-ms
עֹשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
כַף
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs
רְמִיָּ֑ה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
deceit
N-fs
וְ/יַ֖ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Conj | N-cs
חָרוּצִ֣ים
chărûwts
H2742
sharp
Adj
תַּעֲשִֽׁיר
ʻâshar
H6238
to enrich
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:4
רָ֗אשׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
N-ms
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
עֹשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כַף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
רְמִיָּ֑ה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
"deceit"
N-fs
Remiyah refers to slackness or deceit, describing someone who is idle or treacherous, as seen in various KJV translations. It implies a lack of effort or loyalty.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful, -fully), false, guile, idle, slack, slothful. See also: Job 13:7; Psalms 120:3; Psalms 32:2.
וְ/יַ֖ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Conj | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
חָרוּצִ֣ים
chărûwts
H2742
"sharp"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word for gold also means something sharp or dug, like a trench. It appears in poetic passages, describing valuable or precious things. In some cases, it refers to determination or eagerness.
Definition: adj sharp-pointed, sharp, diligent
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: decision, diligent, (fine) gold, pointed things, sharp, threshing instrument, wall. See also: Job 41:22; Proverbs 13:4; Psalms 68:14.
תַּעֲשִֽׁיר
ʻâshar
H6238
"to enrich"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to become or make rich, often describing financial prosperity or wealth, as seen in the story of Solomon's riches in 1 Kings 10. It is translated as 'to be rich' or 'enrich' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to be or become rich or wealthy, enrich, pretend to be rich 1a) (Qal) to be or become rich 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make rich 1b2) to gain riches 1c) (Hithpael) to enrich oneself, pretend to be rich
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 marg). See H6240 (עָשָׂר). See also: Genesis 14:23; Proverbs 13:7; Psalms 49:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:4
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:4
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
2Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.
3The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked.
4Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
5He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. 6Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:5 | The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:4 | The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. |
| 3 | Proverbs 19:15 | Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. |
| 4 | Proverbs 13:4 | The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. |
| 5 | 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. How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 6 | Proverbs 12:24 | The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. |
| 7 | Proverbs 20:13 | Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 9 | Proverbs 19:24 | The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth. |
| 10 | Proverbs 11:24 | One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. |
Proverbs 10:4 Summary
Proverbs 10:4 teaches us that when we are lazy and do not work, we can become poor, but when we work hard and are diligent, we can have wealth and provisions. This principle is not just about money; it's about using the gifts and talents God has given us to serve and glorify Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:2 and Matthew 25:14-30. By trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, we can be diligent in our work, knowing that He will provide for us, as promised in Philippians 4:19. Remember, our work is a form of worship and service to God, and when we work diligently, we honor Him and can experience His blessings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have 'idle hands' in Proverbs 10:4?
Having 'idle hands' means to be lazy or unwilling to work, which can lead to poverty, as seen in Proverbs 10:4, whereas being diligent brings wealth, a principle also supported by Proverbs 6:6-11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
Is it wrong to rest or take breaks, according to Proverbs 10:4?
No, Proverbs 10:4 is not condemning rest or breaks, but rather emphasizing the importance of diligence and hard work, as also taught in Exodus 20:9 and Deuteronomy 5:13, which balance work with rest.
Does Proverbs 10:4 promise wealth to everyone who works hard?
While Proverbs 10:4 does say that diligent hands bring wealth, it's essential to understand that wealth is not solely defined by material riches, as seen in Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Timothy 6:10, and that God's blessings and provisions can come in many forms.
How does Proverbs 10:4 relate to the broader biblical theme of work and provision?
Proverbs 10:4 fits into the biblical narrative that encourages diligent work and trust in God's provision, as seen in Genesis 2:15, where Adam was given work to do in the Garden of Eden, and in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, which teaches about sowing and reaping in the context of generosity and provision.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of diligence to see God's blessings and provisions?
- How can I balance the need for rest and relaxation with the importance of diligent work, as taught in Proverbs 10:4 and other scriptures?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and provision in my life, even when my hard work does not seem to yield the expected results, remembering that 'the LORD does not let the righteous go hungry' as stated in Proverbs 10:3?
- What does it mean for me to be a good steward of the resources God has given me, and how can I use my 'hands' to serve and glorify Him, as encouraged in Matthew 25:14-30?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:4
He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand,.... That is either remiss in giving to the necessities of others, according to his abilities, and as cases require; or that is negligent and slothful in his business.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:4
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. "Dealeth" - i.e., doeth his work (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:4
With a slack hand; negligently and slothfully, as appears from the diligence opposed to it in the next branch, and from the use of this word in this sense, ,27 19:15 . Heb. with a deceitful hand; so called, partly because it seems and pretends to do something, when in truth it doth nothing; and partly because such persons usually endeavour to maintain themselves by deceit and wickedness, which they cannot or will not do by honest labour and diligence. Maketh rich; not by itself, nor necessarily, as is manifest from experience, and is noted, , but through God’ s blessing, which commonly is given to such, by comparing this verse with , here following.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:4
Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.Ver. 4. He becometh poor.] Lest any should say, If God do all, we need do the less. Doing you must be, saith the wise man, or else the beggar will catch you by the back. Labour also you must with your hands, "working the thing that is good, that ye may have to give to him that needeth." But the hand of the diligent.] Or, Of the nimble; that do motitare, saith Kimchi, are active and agile; that will lose nothing for looking after, but take care of smallest matters that all go right, being frugal and parsimonious of time, husbanding the opportunity of thriving and plenty. How did Boaz follow the business himself. How were his eyes in every corner, on the servants, and on the reapers, yea, on the gleaners too. He doth even lodge in the midst of his husbandry, as knowing well the truth of that proverbial sentence, Procul a villa sua dissitus iactura vicinus, - He that is far from his business, is not far from loss. Columel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:4
Verse 4. He becometh poor] God has ordered, in the course of his providence, that he who will not work shall not eat. And he always blesses the work of the industrious man.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:4
4. He becometh poor] It has been thought that the change of a single vowel point would give A slack hand maketh poor, which is an exact parallel to the second clause of the verse, and is adopted by the Vulg., egestatem operata est manus remissa.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:4
Slack - The word is elsewhere translated as “deceitful” Job 13:7; Psalms 120:2-3; Hosea 7:16; Jeremiah 48:10. The two thoughts run easily into each other.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:4
4. Slack hand — Idle, languid, or loose, in opposition to expert; the word is rendered “deceitful” in Job 13:9; Psalms 122:23; Hosea 9:16; Jeremiah 48:10, where, however, “negligently” appears in the margin as an alternate.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
True Treasure by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting God's work above our own desires and needs. He highlights the biblical teaching of working hard for our current ne |
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O Church Arise! by Tim Conway | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of working for the Lord while there is still time. He shares a personal experience of attending his class reunion and realizing |
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
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God Will Not Bless the Lazy by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the promise of God to open the heavens and bless the work of our hands, highlighting the importance of being active and diligent in our endeavors to receive |
|
Laziness Brings Poverty by Derek Prince | Derek Prince delves into Proverbs 6:9-11, highlighting the spiritual root cause of poverty as laziness. He emphasizes that poverty and scarcity are not just material conditions but |
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The Devil's Tennis-Ball by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of idleness in his sermon 'The Devil's Tennis-Ball,' warning that idleness invites temptation and makes individuals vulnerable to the devil's i |
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Jesus Teaches About Persistence and Prayer Matthew 7:7-11 by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' sermon on the mountainside, suggesting that beyond prayer, Jesus was addressing laziness and the importance of persistence. While Jesus' words on a |