Proverbs 10:5 kjv

He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Proverbs 10:5 nkjv

He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

Proverbs 10:5 niv

He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

Proverbs 10:5 esv

He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

Proverbs 10:5 nlt

A wise youth harvests in the summer,
but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 5 Meaning

Proverbs 10:5 teaches a fundamental principle of life: diligence and foresight applied during opportune times lead to honor and wisdom, whereas idleness and neglect during such critical periods result in disgrace and shame. The verse contrasts proactive effort with passive indolence, demonstrating that a son who works hard and plans during a season of plenty will reap rewards and be seen as wise, while one who is lazy and fails to seize a vital opportunity will suffer consequences and bring dishonor.

Proverbs 10 5 Context

Proverbs chapter 10 marks a shift in the book, introducing a long section (chapters 10-29) primarily composed of independent two-line proverbs, often contrasting the righteous/wise with the wicked/foolish. These maxims generally follow the "A contrast B" or "A explains B" format. Proverbs 10:5 directly contrasts two types of "sons"—those characterized by wisdom and diligence versus those by folly and sloth. In an ancient agrarian society, seasons were critical; "summer" (qayits) was often the time for gathering crops, especially fruits, and "harvest" (qatzir) specifically for grain. Neglecting work during these crucial, limited periods meant destitution for the household and dishonor for the family. The proverb reflects the deep connection between effort, economic security, and familial reputation within this cultural setting, where productivity was a direct measure of one's practical wisdom and contribution to the community. There are no direct polemics, but it subtly affirms a work ethic in alignment with God's design for man (Gen 2:15) and implicitly critiques slothfulness as antithetical to the good order and flourishing He desires.

Proverbs 10 5 Word analysis

• He who gathers (אֹגֵר, ʾōgēr): Derived from the root אָגַר (ʾāgar), meaning "to collect," "to store," or "to gather." This active participle signifies a continuous or characteristic action. It implies diligence, foresight, and systematic effort in accumulating resources, not just haphazard collection. This proactive behavior is critical for sustainability in an agrarian context.
• in summer (בַּקַּיִץ, baqayiṣ): Qayiṣ refers specifically to the summer season. In the Ancient Near East, this was often a primary time for fruit harvests (e.g., figs, grapes) and also the general dry, hot period suitable for drying and preserving. It represents a season of opportunity and abundant yield.
• is a wise son (בֵּן חָכָם, ben ḥāḵām): Ḥāḵām means "wise," denoting practical skill, shrewdness, and understanding of how to live successfully in the world according to divine principles. "Son" (ben) here refers not only to a literal child but also someone who embodies or exemplifies a certain quality. A wise son is one whose actions bring honor to his family and to himself due to his discerning choices.
• He who sleeps (נִרְדָּם, nirdām - passive participle, literally "is put to sleep" or "becomes asleep" or יֵשֵׁן, yēšēn - Qal participle from yāshēn "to sleep"): This word indicates inactivity, lethargy, or negligence. While it can mean literal sleep, in this context it clearly denotes being idle or shirking responsibilities, missing a critical window of opportunity due to lack of effort or awareness. It implies a state of unconsciousness to duty or reality.
• in harvest (בַּקָּצִיר, baqqaṣîr): Qāṣîr specifically refers to the grain harvest. This period is short, intensive, and vital. Missing it meant a year of hunger. It signifies a specific, non-renewable period when work is absolutely essential to secure sustenance.
• is a son who brings shame (בֵּן מֵבִישׁ, ben mēḇîš): Mēḇîš is the Hiphil participle of the verb בּוּשׁ (būš), meaning "to be ashamed," but in the Hiphil, it means "to cause shame," "to put to shame," or "to act shamefully." This isn't merely being ashamed, but actively bringing disgrace upon oneself and, critically, upon one's family or community. Such a son undermines the honor and well-being of his kin.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He who gathers in summer" vs. "He who sleeps in harvest": This is a direct parallel contrast emphasizing diligence versus indolence across two key agricultural periods. "Gathering" is active, purposeful labor. "Sleeping" is passive, negligent inaction. The seasonal aspect underscores the temporality of opportunity; once summer or harvest passes, the chance to gather is gone.
• "is a wise son" vs. "is a son who brings shame": This contrast highlights the two fundamental outcomes of one's actions and character. Wisdom is practically demonstrated by seizing opportunities and acting prudently, leading to honor. Folly, characterized by sloth and missed opportunities, leads to disgrace and suffering for oneself and one's family. This pairing establishes a clear moral and practical judgment.

Proverbs 10 5 Bonus section

The proverb implicitly teaches about the principle of stewardship of time, a finite and precious resource. Just as summer and harvest seasons have specific durations, so too do the opportunities in our lives. The failure to act during the appointed time is a missed opportunity that cannot be recovered. This highlights that "time management" is not merely about efficiency but about discerning the appropriate season for work and diligence, understanding its urgency and the long-term impact of present choices. The shame brought by the negligent son also points to the communal aspect of Israelite society; individual actions, especially those related to providing for one's family, had direct bearing on the collective honor and welfare. In a Christian context, this principle applies to both personal and communal flourishing, emphasizing that our individual diligence contributes to the well-being and testimony of the wider body of believers.

Proverbs 10 5 Commentary

Proverbs 10:5 serves as a practical, actionable proverb illustrating the consequences of wise versus foolish living. The agricultural imagery resonated deeply with its original audience, for whom harvest time was literally a matter of life or death. The wise son understands that opportunities are seasonal and must be seized diligently. He anticipates needs and acts proactively, ensuring future security and prosperity. His foresight and effort reflect true wisdom. Conversely, the "son who sleeps" demonstrates a profound lack of wisdom. His idleness during a critical window of opportunity leads to a deficiency that not only affects him personally but also brings dishonor to his family, as their welfare is jeopardized by his negligence.

This proverb extends beyond literal farming. It underscores a timeless truth about stewardship of time, resources, and opportunities that God provides. It challenges believers to cultivate a spirit of diligence, anticipating future needs—both material and spiritual. It calls for purposeful engagement in life, recognizing that neglecting moments of potential action (a spiritual "harvest" in evangelism, a season for personal growth, a professional opportunity) will result in negative consequences and missed blessings, often bringing disrepute or harm where honor and flourishing should be.

Examples:

• For material diligence: A person saving during times of plenty for future expenses or unexpected hardship.
• For spiritual application: A Christian using a period of peace to deepen their faith or evangelize, rather than waiting until persecution or spiritual decline.
• For education/career: A student diligently studying and preparing for exams and job opportunities, rather than procrastinating.