Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 21:5 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
Proverbs 21:5
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
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Here is, first, the way to become rich. If we want to live well and comfortably in this world, we must be diligent in our work and not draw back from the effort and trouble it takes. We should follow our tasks closely, make good use of every chance we get, and do everything with all our strength. But we must not be rushed or push ourselves and others too hard. We should keep steady and take things in a careful, moderate way, for that often gets farther in a day.
Diligence must be joined with wise planning. The thoughts of the diligent matter just as much as the hands of the diligent. Good forethought is as useful as hard work. Do you see a man who is both wise and hardworking? He will have enough to live on.
Second, here is the way to become poor. Those who are hasty, careless, and rash in their affairs, and who will not take time to think, are headed for poverty. So are those who are greedy for gain and try to get rich by dishonest methods or foolish schemes. The very plans and clever ideas they trust to lift them up will bring them down.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 21:1
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
Proverbs 21:2
"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts."
Proverbs 21:3
"To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."
Proverbs 21:4
"An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin."
Proverbs 21:6
"The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death."
Proverbs 21:7
"The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment."
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