Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 13:23 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. "
Proverbs 13:23
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
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Here we see two things.
A small estate can be made to yield much by hard work and careful use. “Much food is in the tillage of the poor” means that poor farmers, though they have little, can live well if they labor over what they have and manage it wisely. Many people excuse laziness by saying they have only a small amount to work with. But the smaller the field, the more skill and effort the owner should give it, and it can still bring a good return. Let a man dig, and he does not need to beg.
We also see how a large estate can be ruined by bad judgment. Some people have much, but it is destroyed and brought to nothing because they do not manage it wisely. They build or buy more than they should, keep company, tables, or servants beyond their means, and let what they own fall into decay. Some even borrow money or guarantee others’ debts, and in the end their estates sink and their families are brought low, all because they lacked prudence.
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 13:1
"A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke."
Proverbs 13:2
"A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence."
Proverbs 13:3
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."
Proverbs 13:4
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat."
Proverbs 13:5
"A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame."
Proverbs 13:6
"Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner."
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