Proverbs 24:34 kjv

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Proverbs 24:34 nkjv

So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:34 niv

and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:34 esv

and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:34 nlt

then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 34 Meaning

Proverbs 24:34 issues a profound warning against persistent idleness and lack of foresight, asserting that the consequences—poverty and want—will arrive suddenly, irresistibly, and aggressively. It portrays destitution not as a slow decline but as an active, hostile force that seizes everything from the one who procrastinates and fails to diligently steward their responsibilities. The verse serves as an stark emphasis on the certain and inescapable negative outcome of neglecting necessary work.

Proverbs 24 34 Context

Proverbs chapter 24 is part of a section often referred to as "The Sayings of the Wise," distinct from the main collections attributed to Solomon, although echoing many Solomonic themes. Verses 30-34 of this chapter present an observational parable. The passage begins with the narrator describing a personal encounter: walking past a neglected field and vineyard belonging to a "sluggard" or "man lacking sense." The walls are broken down, and the ground is overgrown with thistles and weeds. The narrator then reflects on this sight, drawing a universal lesson: such neglect inevitably leads to ruin. Verse 33 repeats the common sluggard's excuse for inactivity ("A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest"), which serves as a setup for the inevitable consequence stated in verse 34. Historically, in an agrarian society, the state of one's field directly correlated to one's livelihood and ability to provide for oneself and one's family. A ruined field meant immediate hunger and long-term poverty, thus making the vivid imagery of a "robber" and "armed man" particularly potent and understandable to the original audience, who relied directly on the fruits of their labor.

Proverbs 24 34 Word analysis

• So: (וּבָא - u-va) - This particle connects the preceding description of idleness (vv.30-33) to its direct, unavoidable consequence. It implies an "and then" or "thus," marking the natural and certain arrival of the outcome. It highlights the logical, causal relationship.
• your poverty: (רָאשֶׁךָ - ra'sheka) - From the Hebrew ra'ash, meaning severe destitution, want, or penury. It signifies a comprehensive lack of basic necessities, far beyond mere financial inconvenience. This "poverty" profoundly affects one's livelihood and well-being.
• will come: (וּבָא - u-va) - The verb bo means "to come," "to arrive," "to enter." Its use here implies an active, purposeful, and inevitable arrival. Poverty doesn't just passively "happen"; it advances and takes hold with certainty, unable to be stopped.
• like a robber: (כְמַתְאִים - kə·maṯ·’im) - The Hebrew mat'im can refer to "one who prowls" or "marauders," suggesting a rapid, surprising, and predatory assault. This simile vividly portrays poverty as a sudden, violent invasion, like a bandit who sweeps in and takes everything unexpectedly and forcefully, leaving one helpless. It emphasizes the loss of security and the swiftness of ruin.
• and your need: (מַחְסוֹרֶיךָ - maḥsoreḵā) - From the Hebrew maḥsor, meaning lack, deficiency, or acute want. This term is a strong parallel to "poverty," intensifying the message by stressing the state of complete absence and deprivation that will result from idleness.
• like an armed man: (כְאִישׁ־מָגֵן - kə·’îš mā·ḡên) - Literally "like a man of shield." This imagery portrays someone fully equipped, prepared for battle, powerful, and unyielding. The simile underscores the overwhelming and unchallengeable nature of the impending want. Once it arrives, there is no escape, no defense; the idle person is utterly vulnerable to its dominion.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "So your poverty will come": This phrase firmly establishes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between persistent idleness and the onset of destitution. "So" functions as a demonstrative conclusion, while "will come" highlights the active and undeniable nature of the consequence. "Your poverty" places the responsibility squarely on the individual's lack of action.
• "like a robber, and your need like an armed man": This dual simile profoundly intensifies the warning. The "robber" suggests a sudden, unexpected, and forceful plundering that strips one of possessions and security. The "armed man" portrays an overpowering, unconquerable foe, against whom resistance is futile. Together, they communicate not just lack, but a violent, total, and inescapable dispossession that will leave the idle person utterly helpless and bereft of hope for recovery through their own efforts.

Proverbs 24 34 Bonus section

• Wisdom Repetition: The repetition of this exact phrasing from Proverbs 6:10-11 emphasizes that this warning is a foundational truth within the "words of the wise." Its restatement serves to underscore its absolute certainty and critical importance, much like a repeated drill in training ensures a lesson is deeply embedded.
• Active Consequence: The active verb "will come" signifies that poverty isn't merely a passive state or a stroke of bad luck. Rather, it is an active force, a determined outcome that arrives precisely because of the idler's neglect. The individual's lack of action directly calls forth this formidable adversary.
• Beyond Material Poverty: While rooted in an agrarian context of physical provision, the principle extends to various areas of life. Idleness can lead to "poverty" in relationships (neglected friendships), in knowledge (unopened books, missed learning opportunities), in health (ignored fitness), and most importantly, in spiritual vitality (neglected walk with God), all of which will "come like a robber" and "armed man" in their own forms.

Proverbs 24 34 Commentary

Proverbs 24:34 distills the essence of a larger principle: consistent small negligences accumulate into catastrophic failures. The proverb doesn't suggest that poverty is merely a misfortune but presents it as a direct, almost personified, consequence of a life characterized by "a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands." The dual metaphors—a "robber" and an "armed man"—are carefully chosen to evoke a sense of inevitable dread and helplessness. A robber is insidious and strikes without warning, while an armed man is powerful and unstoppable. This vivid imagery is a profound and urgent warning, impressing upon the listener that the seemingly harmless indulgences in procrastination and idleness are, in fact, laying the groundwork for an eventual, aggressive, and overwhelming destitution. The core message emphasizes personal responsibility and the critical importance of diligence, foresight, and disciplined labor to prevent such a bleak outcome.

• A student who continually postpones studying finds that the "robber" of failing grades arrives suddenly with the final exam.
• A person who consistently puts off saving money will eventually find that the "armed man" of unforeseen financial hardship is an unyielding opponent.
• A Christian who consistently neglects spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible study, fellowship) may find that the "robber" of spiritual barrenness and vulnerability strikes forcefully in times of trial.