Proverbs 21:5 kjv

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Proverbs 21:5 nkjv

The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

Proverbs 21:5 niv

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Proverbs 21:5 esv

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Proverbs 21:5 nlt

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 5 Meaning

Proverbs 21:5 teaches a fundamental principle of divine wisdom: careful and well-considered planning, executed with diligence, inevitably leads to abundance and prosperity. Conversely, impulsive and rash actions, driven by haste or impatience, consistently result in scarcity, lack, and even poverty. The verse underscores the long-term benefits of methodical effort and foresight versus the destructive consequences of imprudent quickness.

Proverbs 21 5 Context

Proverbs 21 is a collection of concise wisdom sayings, often expressed in antithetical parallelism, that offer practical guidance for a life pleasing to God. The chapter frequently addresses kings and leaders, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, justice, and wise conduct for governing a nation, but its principles apply equally to individuals. Verse 5 is nestled among proverbs that contrast righteousness with wickedness, hard work with laziness, and prudence with folly, reflecting a core theme throughout the book: that diligent, God-fearing living brings blessings, while moral or practical recklessness leads to hardship. Culturally, these proverbs were foundational to educating the young in ancient Israel, equipping them with the wisdom necessary for successful communal and personal life in an agricultural society where careful planning for harvests and seasons was critical for survival. The verse implicitly challenges a mindset that might prioritize quick gains or rely on chance, advocating instead for principled, strategic effort.

Proverbs 21 5 Word analysis

• The plans (מַחְשְׁבֹת, machsh'vot): This Hebrew word implies more than simple intentions; it refers to deliberate thoughts, well-considered designs, careful strategies, and even skillful devices. It suggests intellectual effort, forethought, and structured reasoning.
• of the diligent (חָרוּץ, charutz): This term describes someone who is sharp, industrious, energetic, and decisive. It is not just about hard work, but purposeful, effective, and perhaps even "cutting through" obstacles with focused energy. It denotes a person who acts with conviction and persistent effort.
• lead surely to (אַךְ־לְמוֹתָר, akh-l'motar): The Hebrew particle "אַךְ" (akh) here functions as an emphatic "surely," "only," or "indeed," indicating certainty of outcome. "לְמוֹתָר" (l'motar) signifies "to abundance," "to profit," "to superfluity," or "to excellence." It points to an overflowing, generous result that is beyond mere sufficiency.
• abundance (מוֹתָר, motar): As mentioned, this word conveys surplus, excess, or profit. It implies that the outcome of diligence is not just enough, but more than enough, signifying prosperity, well-being, and often material gain.
• but everyone who is hasty (וְכָל־אָץ, v'khol-atz): "כָל־" (khol) means "every" or "everyone." "אָץ" (atz) means "to hasten," "to press," or "to act impulsively." This describes a person characterized by impatience, impetuosity, and a desire to achieve results quickly without adequate consideration or preparation, often leading to shortcuts or rash decisions.
• comes only to (אַךְ־לְמַחְסוֹר, akh-l'machsor): Again, "אַךְ" (akh) emphasizes the certain, inevitable outcome. "לְמַחְסוֹר" (l'machsor) means "to lack," "to want," "to destitution," or "to poverty."
• poverty (מַחְסוֹר, machsor): This denotes deficiency, need, or absolute lack, often signifying destitution, not just in terms of material wealth, but potentially also in resources, progress, or desired outcomes.

• The plans of the diligent: This phrase highlights the critical combination of thoughtful strategy and consistent effort. It's not merely wishing or talking about success, but actively conceiving and systematically working towards goals with determined focus.
• lead surely to abundance: This signifies the guaranteed positive outcome for those who employ such diligent planning. The "abundance" implies a bountiful result, well-being, and fulfillment, often extending beyond financial gain to a holistic prosperity.
• everyone who is hasty: This points to the character trait of impulsiveness and a lack of foresight. It describes those who rush into actions or decisions without proper thought, driven by impatience or a desire for immediate gratification, often skipping necessary steps.
• comes only to poverty: This underscores the inescapable negative consequence of hastiness. "Poverty" here implies not only financial destitution but also a general state of want, failure, and lacking what is needed or desired. The certainty conveyed by "only" reinforces the unavoidable nature of this outcome.

Proverbs 21 5 Bonus section

The wisdom in Proverbs 21:5 is not merely a pragmatic economic principle; it deeply resonates with a theological understanding of God's order in creation. God Himself is the ultimate planner and diligent worker (Gen 1-2). His creation was meticulously designed and executed. Thus, human diligence and wise planning reflect God's own attributes and are intrinsically linked to His blessings. The verse challenges any worldview that suggests success comes from mere luck, random chance, or ill-gotten gains. Instead, it posits a moral universe where consequences are tied to actions, and disciplined effort, guided by wisdom, is the divine path to fruitfulness. It serves as an implicit call to embody Christ-like faithfulness in all vocational and personal pursuits, working with integrity and diligence as stewards of His gifts, recognizing that ultimate prosperity stems from living in alignment with His principles.

Proverbs 21 5 Commentary

Proverbs 21:5 encapsulates a foundational principle for earthly success and stewardship, reflecting God's established order. It reveals that the path to abundance is paved not merely with hard work, but with thoughtful, diligent application of effort. The "plans of the diligent" imply strategic forethought, patience in execution, and consistent, purposeful labor. This is a person who calculates costs, assesses risks, and commits to the process, understanding that worthwhile endeavors require time and careful attention. Such diligence inherently invites God's blessing, leading to "abundance," which often includes material prosperity, but also broader flourishing, security, and well-being.

In stark contrast stands the individual characterized by "haste." This is not just speed, but impulsivity, a desire for shortcuts, and a reluctance to engage in thorough planning or sustained effort. Such haste frequently arises from impatience, a lust for quick gains, or a failure to trust in God's timing and process. This recklessness bypasses the wisdom inherent in careful planning and consequently, according to the proverb, "comes only to poverty." This "poverty" extends beyond financial lack to include general failure, frustration, unmet expectations, and a deficit of peace and stability. The proverb thus champions a measured, strategic, and persistent approach to life's endeavors, affirming that wisdom, rooted in godly character, yields lasting reward.