Proverbs 21:5

5 The plans of 1the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is 2hasty comes 3only to poverty.

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 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Proverbs 10:4
  • 2. [Proverbs 19:2]
  • 3. [Proverbs 11:24; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 22:16]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.