Proverbs 21:5

5 The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless only becomes poor.[a]

Proverbs 21:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:5

The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness
A man that is thoughtful and studious, and wisely forms schemes in his mind, and diligently pursues them; the issue of it is, generally speaking, prosperity and plenty: such a man is usually thriving and flourishing; and this holds good in things spiritual, as well as in things temporal, ( Matthew 25:29 ) ; but of everyone [that is] hasty only to want;
that is in haste to be rich, and is resolved to be so, right or wrong, he comes at last to poverty and want: or he who is rash and precipitate in acting, who never thinks before he acts, but rashly engages in an affair; or, however, does not give himself time enough to think it over, but, as soon as ever it has entered his thoughts, he immediately attempts to put it in execution; a man so thoughtless and inconsiderate, so rash and hasty, brings himself and family to poverty; see ( Proverbs 20:21 ) .

Proverbs 21:5 In-Context

3 Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 The lamp that guides the wicked- haughty eyes and an arrogant heart-is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless only becomes poor.
6 Making a fortune through a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a pursuit of death.
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away because they refuse to act justly.

Footnotes 1

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