Proverbs 21:5

5 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.

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 Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance.
4 Arrogance and pride - distinguishing marks in the wicked - are just plain sin.
5 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.
6 Make it to the top by lying and cheating; get paid with smoke and a promotion - to death!
7 The wicked get buried alive by their loot because they refuse to use it to help others.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.