Proverbs 20:4

4 A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed: so also he who borrows corn in harvest.

Proverbs 20:4 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:4

The sluggard will not plough by reason of the cold
Or, "in the cold"; in the time of cold, as Aben Ezra; in the time of autumn, which is the time of ploughing, when it begins to be cold weather, and winter is drawing on: and this is discouraging to the sluggard, who does not care to take his hands out of his bosom to feed himself, and much less to plough; see ( Proverbs 19:24 ) ; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing;
he shall ask of those who have ploughed and sowed, and are now reaping and gathering in their increase at harvest time; but they shall give him nothing; for such as will not work should not eat; and if a man will not plough and sow, he cannot expect to reap, nor should he be encouraged in begging. This holds good in spiritual things; such who have been slothful and sluggish about their spiritual affairs, unconcerned for the grace of God, and indolent in the use of means, or performance of duty, will ask when too late, or of wrong persons, and shall not have it; as the foolish virgins ask oil of the wise, when the bridegroom is come; and the rich man for water from Abraham, when in hell, ( Matthew 25:8 ) ( Luke 16:24 ) .

Proverbs 20:4 In-Context

2 The threat of a king differs not from the rage of a lion; and he that provokes him sins against his own soul.

3 a glory to a man to turn aside from railing; but every fool is entangled with such matters.

4 A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed: so also he who borrows corn in harvest.

5 Counsel in a man's heart is deep water; but a prudent man will draw it out.

6 A man is valuable, and a merciful man precious: but hard to find a faithful man.