Proverbs 13:4
Proverbs 13:4 in Multiple Translations
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
The hater of work does not get his desires, but the soul of the hard workers will be made fat.
Lazy people want a lot, but get nothing; if you work hard you'll be well rewarded.
The sluggard lusteth, but his soule hath nought: but the soule of the diligent shall haue plentie.
The soul of the slothful is desiring, and hath not. And the soul of the diligent is made fat.
The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
The sluggard willeth and willeth not: but the soul of them that work, shall be made fat.
People who are lazy want things very much, but they will not get anything [HYP]. People who work hard will get all that they want.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:4
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 13:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִתְאַוָּ֣ה
וָ֭/אַיִן
נַפְשׁ֣/וֹ
עָצֵ֑ל
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
חָרֻצִ֣ים
תְּדֻשָּֽׁן
מִתְאַוָּ֣ה
ʼâvâh
H183
to desire
V-Hithpael
וָ֭/אַיִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
נַפְשׁ֣/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
עָצֵ֑ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
sluggish
Adj
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Conj | N-cs
חָרֻצִ֣ים
chărûwts
H2742
sharp
Adj
תְּדֻשָּֽׁן
dâshên
H1878
to prosper
V-Pual-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:4
מִתְאַוָּ֣ה
ʼâvâh
H183
"to desire"
V-Hithpael
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
וָ֭/אַיִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
נַפְשׁ֣/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
עָצֵ֑ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
"sluggish"
Adj
A sluggish person, often called a sluggard, this word describes someone who is habitually lazy or idle, like the slothful person in Proverbs.
Definition: 1) sluggish, lazy 1a) sluggard (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: slothful, sluggard. See also: Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 6:9.
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
חָרֻצִ֣ים
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.
תְּדֻשָּֽׁן
dâshên
H1878
"to prosper"
V-Pual-Imperf-3fs
To prosper or be fat is the meaning of this word, which can also mean to anoint or satisfy. It is often used to describe God's blessing and prosperity.
Definition: 1) to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint 1a) (Qal) of prosperity (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make fat, anoint 1b2) to find fat (of offering-acceptable) 1b3) to take away ashes (from altar) 1c) (Pual) to be made fat 1d) (Hothpael) to fatten oneself (of Jehovah's sword)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: accept, anoint, take away the (receive) ashes (from), make (wax) fat. See also: Exodus 27:3; Proverbs 11:25; Psalms 20:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:4
Context — A Father’s Discipline
2From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence.
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. 6Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:24 | The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:11 | The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment. |
| 3 | 2 Peter 1:5–11 | For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. |
| 4 | Proverbs 10:4 | Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. |
| 5 | Proverbs 11:25 | A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. |
| 6 | Proverbs 2:2–9 | if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path. |
| 7 | John 6:27 | Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” |
| 8 | Proverbs 28:25 | A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. |
| 9 | Hebrews 6:11 | We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. |
| 10 | Proverbs 8:34 | Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. |
Proverbs 13:4 Summary
This verse teaches us that being lazy and not working hard can lead to not having what we need or want, while being diligent and working hard can bring satisfaction and fulfillment. This is not just about working hard, but also about trusting in God and seeking His guidance, as we see in Proverbs 3:5-6. By being diligent and trusting in God, we can experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from knowing we have done our best, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:24. Remember, diligence is not just about what we do, but also about our attitude and trust in God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a slacker in the context of Proverbs 13:4?
In this verse, a slacker refers to someone who is lazy and lacks diligence in their work or responsibilities, as opposed to being diligent and hardworking, as seen in Proverbs 10:4-5, which contrasts the diligent and the lazy.
How can the soul of the diligent be fully satisfied?
The satisfaction of the diligent comes from knowing they have worked hard and done their best, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:24, which says it is good to find joy in one's labor, and Colossians 3:23-24, which encourages working heartily for the Lord.
Is being diligent just about working hard, or is there a spiritual aspect to it?
While hard work is part of diligence, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and seeking His guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trusting in the Lord with all one's heart.
Can a person be diligent in some areas of life but still struggle with laziness in others?
Yes, it is possible for someone to be diligent in certain areas, such as their job, but struggle with laziness in other areas, such as their spiritual life or personal relationships, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30, which teaches about being faithful in all areas of life.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I tend to be lazy or lack diligence, and how can I work to change this?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a diligent spirit in my daily life, whether in my work, relationships, or spiritual practices?
- How does my level of diligence or laziness affect my relationships with others, and what can I do to improve in this area?
- What are some biblical examples of diligent individuals, and what can I learn from their examples?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing,.... He desires knowledge, but does not care to be at any pains to get it, and so has it not; he desires riches, but chooses not to make use of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:4
Hath nothing, because he contenteth himself with lazy desires without diligent endeavours. Shall be made fat; he shall be enriched with the fruit of his own labours.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:4
Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.Ver. 4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, &c.] Vult, et non vult piger - so the Vulgate reads it. The sluggard would, and he would not; he would have the end, but he would not use the means; he would "sit at Christ’ s right hand," but he would not "drink of his cup, or be baptized with his baptism." Lyra compares these men to cats that would fain have fish, but are loath to wet their feet. (This is an English proverb; for Lyra was a famous English Jew, and flourished in the year of grace 1320.) Affection without endeavour is like Rachel - beautiful, but barren. But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat,] i.e., Those that work as well as wish, that add endeavours to their desires, as 2 Corinthians 8:11. David, ravished with the meditation of the good man’ s blessedness, presently conceives this desire and pursues it; not, Oh that I had this happiness! but, Oh that I could use the means! "Oh that my ways were so directed."
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:4
Verse 4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing] We often hear many religious people expressing a desire to have more of the Divine life, and yet never get forward in it. How is this? The reason is, they desire, but do not stir themselves up to lay hold upon the Lord. They are always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. They seek to enter in at the strait gate, but are not able, because they do not strive.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:4
4. Sluggard desireth — The sentiment of this verse is, the lazy man has a great appetite, with nothing to satisfy it; but the diligent (active) shall be fed abundantly.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie |
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Mercenary Christians by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of a mercenary mentality that has infiltrated the American church. He uses the story of Simon the sorcerer from Acts chapter eight |
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Special Leaders Session by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching the word of God systematically and thoroughly. He criticizes the lack of proper training and instruction given to |
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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 Seven Deadly Sins by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong preaches about the deadly nature of sin unless repented of and forgiven by God. Sin is any deliberate act against the known will of God, whether vertically against G |
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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 |
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The Ant by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook emphasizes the lesson of diligence and wisdom from Proverbs 6:6, using the example of the ant's hard work and constant activity to shame the sluggard into action. B |