Proverbs 24:30 kjv

I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

Proverbs 24:30 nkjv

I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;

Proverbs 24:30 niv

I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;

Proverbs 24:30 esv

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,

Proverbs 24:30 nlt

I walked by the field of a lazy person,
the vineyard of one with no common sense.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 30 Meaning

Proverbs 24:30 serves as the introduction to a didactic observation made by the narrator. It describes the scene of passing by two neglected agricultural plots: a field belonging to a sluggard and a vineyard owned by a man void of understanding. This verse sets the stage for the detailed description of their ruin (in v. 31) and the profound lesson derived from it regarding the inevitable consequences of idleness and foolishness, leading to decay and poverty. It highlights that the condition of one's property is a direct reflection of one's character, diligence, and wisdom.

Proverbs 24 30 Context

Proverbs 24 is part of a collection of wise sayings, continuing the book's overarching theme of seeking wisdom, living righteously, and understanding the consequences of choices. Verses 30-34 form a distinct poetic unit, often referred to as "the sluggard's field." This particular verse initiates a powerful narrative by the observer (the narrator, presumably Solomon or a wise teacher). In an agrarian society like ancient Israel, a field and vineyard were critical assets and the primary sources of sustenance and wealth. The meticulous care of land was essential for survival and prosperity. The narrator's personal observation of a neglected field and vineyard provides a vivid, real-world example of how laziness and a lack of foresight (a "void of understanding") directly lead to desolation and eventual poverty, underscoring the deep connection between one's character and one's practical life outcomes.

Proverbs 24 30 Word analysis

• I went by: In Hebrew, ’anī ‘āvartī (אֲנִי עָבַרְתִּי) emphasizes the first-person singular "I" (אֲנִי) and the verb "passed by" (עָבַרְתִּי), conveying a personal, intentional observation. This isn't mere hearsay but a firsthand account, lending authority and immediacy to the ensuing lesson. It highlights the importance of observation as a means to gain wisdom.
• field: śāḏeh (שְׂדֵה). This refers to a general cultivated piece of land, typically used for grain or crops. Its condition directly reflects the owner's care or neglect, being a fundamental indicator of economic well-being and diligence in an agricultural economy.
• sluggard: ’īš ‘ātsēl (אִישׁ עָצֵל). This Hebrew term describes a "lazy man," one characterized by idleness and aversion to work. The root ‘ātsēl is used consistently in Proverbs to denote chronic inaction, procrastination, and lack of initiative (e.g., Prov 6:6; 10:26; 26:13-16), a fundamental flaw that leads to ruin.
• vineyard: kārəm (כֶּרֶם). A vineyard is a specialized agricultural area for cultivating grapevines, often requiring significantly more attention, labor, and protective measures than a general field (pruning, weeding, terracing, building walls against animals). Its neglect signals an even greater degree of indolence and disregard for valuable assets.
• man void of understanding: ’ādām ḥasar-lēv (אָדָם חֲסַר-לֵב). This phrase literally means "a man lacking heart." In biblical Hebrew, lēv (heart) does not solely refer to emotions but comprehensively to one's inner being, encompassing intellect, understanding, will, and moral discernment. Thus, "void of understanding" implies not merely intellectual dullness but a deeper spiritual and practical folly—a lack of good judgment, discernment, and an inability to perceive the consequences of one's actions or inaction. This deficiency of "heart" is seen as the root cause of the sluggard's neglect, suggesting that laziness often stems from a deeper lack of foresight and wisdom.

Words-group analysis:

• "I went by the field... and by the vineyard...": The parallelism in describing two valuable agricultural assets underscores the universality of the observed neglect. The specific mention of a "vineyard" alongside a "field" highlights the extensive and comprehensive nature of the owner's failure to maintain what requires significant ongoing labor. The act of "going by" suggests an intentional tour or journey, making the discovery of the dilapidated land a purposeful lesson for the observer and, by extension, the reader.
• "the sluggard, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding": These two descriptions, while distinct, are closely intertwined. They present a complementary picture: the "sluggard" emphasizes the characteristic of idleness and physical inaction, while "the man void of understanding" points to the intellectual and moral deficiency—the lack of wisdom and foresight—that underlies and fuels that laziness. This linkage suggests that idleness is often not merely a behavioral flaw but symptomatic of a deeper internal deficiency, an inability to connect present action (or inaction) with future consequences.

Proverbs 24 30 Bonus section

• This passage employs a common biblical wisdom teaching method: observing a concrete example, drawing a specific conclusion, and then applying a general principle.
• The "field" and "vineyard" are symbolic of any domain entrusted to an individual, including one's talents, relationships, responsibilities, or even one's spiritual life, underscoring the universal applicability of the lesson.
• The progression from "I went by" (observation), through "behold, it was all overgrown" (detailed description), to "I looked and received instruction" (reflection), culminating in the proverb "A little sleep..." (universal truth) exemplifies a pedagogical approach for internalizing wisdom.
• The lesson is deeply practical, connecting a spiritual state (lack of understanding, sloth) directly to a visible, tangible consequence (poverty and ruin). It counters the idea that spiritual conditions are unrelated to material outcomes.

Proverbs 24 30 Commentary

Proverbs 24:30 introduces a powerful and poignant illustration of life's unyielding principle of sowing and reaping. The wise teacher invites us into a personal journey of observation, where the state of the physical landscape—a neglected field and an overgrown vineyard—becomes a mirror reflecting the moral and intellectual condition of its owner. The "sluggard" is characterized by his aversion to work, an inherent passivity that permits decay. More profoundly, this physical laziness is attributed to a "man void of understanding"—someone who lacks wisdom, foresight, and common sense necessary for responsible stewardship. This isn't merely a critique of poor farming; it's a condemnation of a character defect. The "heart" in Hebrew context denotes intellect, will, and moral judgment, suggesting that the sluggard's problem is not just physical inactivity but a fundamental inability or unwillingness to grasp the long-term repercussions of present indolence. This verse, therefore, acts as a visual prophecy: neglecting one's duties, whether physical or spiritual, inevitably leads to a desolate harvest, vividly described in the subsequent verses. It serves as a stern warning that spiritual, mental, and physical sloth has tangible, ruinous consequences, and that diligence and wisdom are inseparable for a fruitful life.