Proverbios 13:4

4 El alma del perezoso desea, y nada alcanza; mas el alma de los diligentes será engordada

Proverbios 13:4 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 13:4

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing
He desires knowledge, but does not care to be at any pains to get it, and so has it not; he desires riches, but chooses not to make use of the means, to be diligent and industrious, and so he is without them; he desires to wear good clothes and rich raiment, but is unwilling to labour for them, and therefore is clothed with rags; he desires food, and plenty of it, but refuses to work for it; and he that will not work should not eat, and therefore he has it not, but starves and famishes: and, in spiritual things, the sluggard desires heaven and happiness, but does not care to do the duties of religion; he would die the death of the righteous, but is unwilling to live his life; to abstain from sin, and live soberly and righteously, is too hard service for him; he does not choose to do or suffer anything for the cause of Christ and true religion. Jarchi's note is, that

``in the future state he shall see the glory of the wise man, and desire it; but shall not attain to it;''

but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat;
become rich; increase in temporal things, and have great plenty and prosperity; and so, in spiritual matters, such who are diligent in the use of means, constantly attend on the word and ordinances, and labour for the meat which endures to everlasting life; such are filled and satisfied, as with marrow and fatness; and become fat and flourishing, and fruitful in every good word and work; and shall at last arrive to that state where there will be no more hunger and thirst.

Proverbios 13:4 In-Context

2 Del fruto de su boca el hombre comerá bien; mas el alma de los prevaricadores morirá de hambre

3 El que guarda su boca guarda su alma; mas el que mucho abre sus labios tendrá calamidad

4 El alma del perezoso desea, y nada alcanza; mas el alma de los diligentes será engordada

5 El justo aborrece la palabra de mentira; mas el impío se hace odioso y abominable

6 La justicia guarda al de perfecto camino; mas la impiedad trastornará al pecador