Proverbs 6:11 kjv

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

Proverbs 6:11 nkjv

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

Proverbs 6:11 niv

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

Proverbs 6:11 esv

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

Proverbs 6:11 nlt

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

Proverbs 6 verses

Proverbs 6 11 Meaning

Proverbs 6:11 conveys a stark warning: the neglect of diligence, characterized by excessive sleep and idleness, will inevitably lead to devastating financial ruin and severe material deprivation. It depicts poverty and want not as gradual inconveniences, but as sudden, aggressive, and overwhelming forces, like a bandit or a fully equipped warrior, against whom one is utterly defenseless. This emphasizes the swiftness, severity, and inescapability of the consequences of slothfulness.

Proverbs 6 11 Context

Proverbs 6:11 is the climax of an admonition against slothfulness and idleness that begins in Proverbs 6:6. The passage (vv. 6-11) is directed at the "sluggard," contrasting his laziness with the industriousness of the ant (vv. 6-8). The preceding verse (v. 10) uses a direct address to describe the sluggard's penchant for excessive rest ("A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest"). Verse 11 serves as the inevitable and severe consequence of such a lifestyle, powerfully illustrating the proverb's core message of cause and effect. This warning against neglecting responsibilities due to laziness is foundational within the larger instruction to live wisely. In ancient Israelite society, which was predominantly agrarian, neglecting daily work meant direct, immediate, and dire consequences for one's sustenance and survival, underscoring the vital importance of the work ethic being taught.

Proverbs 6 11 Word analysis

• So shall thy poverty come: This phrase introduces the consequence, emphasizing its inevitability. The Hebrew, u-va re'sheka, highlights the active coming of resh (poverty/lack), indicating an aggressive approach rather than a passive state. It signifies a complete destitution.

• as one that travelleth: The Hebrew term is ka-ha'lekh. While KJV translates it as "travelleth" (implying a gradual but steady approach), many modern translations render it as "a robber" or "a highwayman" (e.g., ESV, NIV, NASB). This latter interpretation aligns strongly with the imagery of unexpected and violent plunder, emphasizing the sudden, inescapable, and destructive nature of poverty when it descends upon the unprepared.

• and thy want: The Hebrew, u-makh'soreka, reinforces the theme of severe deprivation. Makhsor signifies a lack of essentials, often bordering on destitution, amplifying the concept of resh (poverty).

• as an armed man: The Hebrew phrase ke-ish ma'gen literally means "like a man of a shield," or more broadly, "like a warrior" or "an armed man." This imagery vividly portrays poverty as an irresistible and conquering force. An "armed man" or warrior is someone prepared for combat, capable of overwhelming opposition, and leaving no chance for escape or defense. It conveys an utter defeat and the stripping away of everything.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "So shall thy poverty come... and thy want": This parallel structure effectively employs synonyms (poverty and want) to intensify the idea of complete and overwhelming destitution. The active verb "come" portrays these abstract concepts as dynamic, personal threats.
  • "as one that travelleth/robber, and thy want as an armed man": This is a powerful double simile. The comparison to a "robber" or "travelleth" (if understood as a drifter slowly encroaching) suggests either stealthy, unexpected descent or slow, sure erosion. The progression to an "armed man" escalates the imagery to an unavoidable, forceful, and devastating conquest. This paints a picture of being overtaken and completely plundered without hope of resistance. The images combined depict a sudden, brutal, and utterly disarming loss, leaving one vulnerable and desolate.

Proverbs 6 11 Bonus section

• Chiasmic Structure: Proverbs 6:10-11 is directly echoed, almost word-for-word, in Proverbs 24:33-34, forming a thematic chiasm. This repetition significantly emphasizes the profound importance and universal truth of the warning against laziness, making it a pivotal caution in wisdom literature.
• Personification as a Teaching Device: The use of personification, giving human actions and attributes to "poverty" and "want," makes the abstract concept of financial ruin much more vivid, relatable, and alarming to the reader, enhancing the rhetorical impact of the proverb.
• Connection to Creation Order: The underlying message implicitly points to God's original design for humanity's relationship with work (Gen 2:15, Gen 3:19). Neglecting one's labor responsibilities, as encouraged by the sluggard, is presented not just as poor decision-making but as acting contrary to the natural order and divine intention, which brings its own built-in consequences.
• Practical Wisdom: This verse encapsulates the pragmatic, cause-and-effect nature of Proverbs, offering clear, actionable wisdom for daily life and material stewardship rather than abstract theology. It teaches that our habits directly shape our destiny.

Proverbs 6 11 Commentary

Proverbs 6:11 acts as a stark consequence for the slothfulness detailed in the preceding verses. The proverb moves beyond simple admonition to paint a terrifying picture of inevitable ruin. By personifying "poverty" and "want" as aggressive invaders – a robber or an armed man – the text communicates the devastating force with which economic ruin will seize the idle. This is not merely a shortage; it's a violent invasion from which there is no escape or defense once it has come. The parallel similes amplify the message: whether slowly like an unwelcome, encroaching traveler (in the KJV sense) or suddenly like a hidden thief, the ultimate outcome is the overpowering force of an armed assailant. The core message underscores the foundational biblical principle that diligence and faithful stewardship are not optional, but essential for human well-being and are woven into God's created order. Ignoring these principles results in direct, painful, and often irreparable consequences. This warning motivates practical action and foresight, linking one's current habits directly to future prosperity or devastation.

Examples:

• A person who consistently delays dealing with health issues might find that sickness, like an armed man, suddenly and overwhelmingly claims their health and freedom.
• A nation that neglects investing in its infrastructure may suddenly experience catastrophic collapses that paralyze its economy and society, like a bandit stealing its stability.
• A spiritual discipline (e.g., prayer, Bible study) neglected over time can leave one's spiritual life vulnerable, akin to an undefended city, when trials "come as an armed man."