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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 24:31 Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/24-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_24_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 24:31 - Further Sayings of the Wise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/24-31.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/24-31.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 31</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm" title="Proverbs 24:30">◄</a> Proverbs 24:31 <a href="/proverbs/24-32.htm" title="Proverbs 24:32">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, <i>and</i> nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And behold, it was completely overgrown with weeds; Its surface was covered with weeds, And its stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles, Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Nettles have covered its surface, And its stone wall has been torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And, behold, it was all overgrown with thorns, And nettles were covering its surface, And its stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, The face thereof was covered with nettles, And the stone wall thereof was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Thorns and weeds were everywhere, and the stone wall had fallen down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, the face thereof was covered with nettles, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I saw that it was all overgrown with thistles. The ground was covered with weeds, and its stone fence was torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They were full of thorn bushes and overgrown with weeds. The stone wall around them had fallen down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />There it was, overgrown with thistles, the ground covered with thorns, its stone wall collapsed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I saw that thorns had grown up all over it, the ground was covered with weeds, and its stone wall was broken down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Look, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face of it, and its stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And behold, it has gone up—all of it—thorns! Nettles have covered its face, "" And its stone wall has been broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And lo, it hath gone up -- all of it -- thorns! Covered its face have nettles, And its stone wall hath been broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And behold, it came up all of it with thorns; brambles covered its face, and the wall of its stones was overthrown.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And behold it was all filled with nettles, and thorns had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall was broken down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and behold, it was entirely filled with nettles, and thorns had covered its surface, and the stonewall was destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />It was all overgrown with thistles; its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall broken down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and see, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and its stone wall was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And all of that climbed up, filled with a tangle of thorns, and they covered the face of the gates.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And, lo, it was all grown over with thistles, The face thereof was covered with nettles, And the stone wall thereof was broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If thou let him alone, he will altogether remain barren and covered with weeds; and he becomes destitute, and his stone walls are broken down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/24-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5042" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm">Further Sayings of the Wise</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7063.htm" title="7063: qim·mə·śō·nîm (N-mp) -- A prickly plant. From the same as qimmowsh; a prickly plant.">Thorns</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ā·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">had grown up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵul·lōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">everywhere,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2738.htm" title="2738: ḥă·rul·lîm (N-mp) -- (a kind of weed), perhaps chickpea. ">thistles</a> <a href="/hebrew/3680.htm" title="3680: kās·sū (V-Pual-Perf-3cp) -- To cover. A primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. Fill up hollows; by implication, to cover.">had covered</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: p̄ā·nāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the ground,</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’ă·ḇā·nāw (N-fpc:: 3ms) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">and the stone</a> <a href="/hebrew/1444.htm" title="1444: wə·ḡe·ḏer (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- A circumvallation. From gadar; a circumvallation.">wall</a> <a href="/hebrew/2040.htm" title="2040: ne·hĕ·rā·sāh (V-Nifal-Perf-3fs) -- To throw down, break or tear down. A primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break, &? Destroy.">was broken down.</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a></span><br />And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. / Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. / By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-6.htm">Isaiah 5:6</a></span><br />I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-22.htm">Matthew 13:22</a></span><br />The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-8.htm">Hebrews 6:8</a></span><br />But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18</a></span><br />Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-14.htm">Luke 8:14</a></span><br />The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-10.htm">Isaiah 32:10-13</a></span><br />In a little more than a year you will tremble, O secure ones. For the grape harvest will fail and the fruit harvest will not arrive. / Shudder, you ladies of leisure; tremble, you daughters of complacency. Strip yourselves bare and put sackcloth around your waists. / Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-18.htm">Mark 4:18-19</a></span><br />Others are like the seeds sown among the thorns. They hear the word, / but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-3.htm">Jeremiah 4:3</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/10-12.htm">Hosea 10:12</a></span><br />Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Matthew 7:19</a></span><br />Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-6.htm">John 15:6</a></span><br />If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">1 Corinthians 3:12-15</a></span><br />If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, / his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. / If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-23.htm">Isaiah 7:23-25</a></span><br />And on that day, in every place that had a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, only briers and thorns will be found. / Men will go there with bow and arrow, for the land will be covered with briers and thorns. / For fear of the briers and thorns, you will no longer traverse the hills once tilled by the hoe; they will become places for oxen to graze and sheep to trample.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-34.htm">Ezekiel 36:34-36</a></span><br />The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through. / Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’ / Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt what was destroyed, and I have replanted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And, see, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.</p><p class="hdg">it</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a></b></br> And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed <i>is</i> the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat <i>of</i> it all the days of thy life; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-40.htm">Job 31:40</a></b></br> Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/4-3.htm">Jeremiah 4:3</a></b></br> For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.</p><p class="hdg">and the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Proverbs 19:23</a></b></br> The fear of the LORD <i>tendeth</i> to life: and <i>he that hath it</i> shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a></b></br> The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; <i>therefore</i> shall he beg in harvest, and <i>have</i> nothing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-13.htm">Proverbs 22:13</a></b></br> The slothful <i>man</i> saith, <i>There is</i> a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/psalms/139-4.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/psalms/144-12.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/job/30-7.htm">Nettles</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Overgrown</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-10.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-27.htm">Surface</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/job/31-40.htm">Thistles</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-11.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/job/31-40.htm">Weeds</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-5.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-2.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-23.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-16.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-13.htm">Nettles</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-13.htm">Overgrown</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-8.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-1.htm">Surface</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-13.htm">Thistles</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-4.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/hosea/9-6.htm">Weeds</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Precepts and Warnings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Thorns had grown up everywhere</b><br>This phrase illustrates neglect and the consequences of laziness or lack of diligence. In biblical times, thorns often symbolized sin, curse, and desolation, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3-18.htm">Genesis 3:18</a>, where thorns and thistles are part of the curse on the ground after the Fall. The presence of thorns indicates a failure to maintain spiritual and moral discipline, reflecting the broader biblical theme that spiritual neglect leads to chaos and disorder. The imagery of thorns growing everywhere suggests a pervasive problem, emphasizing the need for vigilance in one's spiritual life.<p><b>Thistles had covered the ground</b><br>Thistles, like thorns, are a sign of neglect and are often associated with barrenness and fruitlessness. In the ancient Near East, thistles were common in neglected fields, symbolizing the result of idleness and lack of stewardship. This imagery is used to convey the idea that without proper care and attention, one's life can become overrun with problems and sin. The covering of the ground with thistles suggests a complete takeover, indicating that once sin and neglect take root, they can dominate one's life, making it difficult to produce good fruit, as seen in the parable of the sower (<a href="/matthew/13-7.htm">Matthew 13:7</a>).<p><b>And the stone wall was broken down</b><br>The stone wall represents protection and boundaries, both physically and spiritually. In ancient Israel, walls were crucial for defense against enemies and wild animals. A broken-down wall signifies vulnerability and exposure to danger. Spiritually, it suggests a lack of discipline and self-control, leading to moral and spiritual decay. This imagery is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Proverbs 25:28</a>, which compares a person without self-control to a city with broken-down walls. The broken wall serves as a warning of the consequences of neglecting one's spiritual defenses, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong boundaries to protect against sin and temptation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sluggard's_field.htm">The Sluggard's Field</a></b><br>This verse is part of a larger passage (<a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a>) that describes the field of a sluggard, a person characterized by laziness and neglect.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/thorns_and_thistles.htm">Thorns and Thistles</a></b><br>These are symbolic of neglect and the consequences of idleness. In the Bible, thorns and thistles often represent the curse of sin and the result of neglecting one's responsibilities.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_stone_wall.htm">The Stone Wall</a></b><br>Represents protection and boundaries. Its broken state signifies vulnerability and disorder due to neglect.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_neglect.htm">The Consequences of Neglect</a></b><br>Just as the sluggard's field becomes overgrown with thorns and thistles, neglect in our spiritual and personal lives leads to disorder and vulnerability. Regular maintenance and diligence are necessary to prevent spiritual decay.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_boundaries.htm">The Importance of Boundaries</a></b><br>The broken stone wall signifies the importance of maintaining boundaries in our lives. Without them, we become susceptible to external threats and internal chaos.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/diligence_as_a_virtue.htm">Diligence as a Virtue</a></b><br>Proverbs consistently highlights diligence as a virtue. We are called to be proactive and industrious in our spiritual walk, relationships, and responsibilities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>Just as a field requires constant care, our spiritual lives require vigilance and regular attention to prevent the encroachment of sin and complacency.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_renewal.htm">Restoration and Renewal</a></b><br>Even if our "walls" are broken, God offers restoration. Like Nehemiah, we can rebuild and restore what has been neglected through God's strength and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/actuality_vs._potentiality.htm">What is the purpose of work in a spiritual context?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_work.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on work?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_homemaking.htm">What does the Bible say about homemaking?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/paul's_life_events_timeline.htm">Why do thorns and thistles exist?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thorns</span>. <span class="accented">Kimmashon</span> is the word here used, but the plant has not been certainly identified (comp. <a href="/isaiah/34-13.htm">Isaiah 34:13</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Nettles</span> (<span class="accented">charul</span>). The stinging nettle is quite common in Palestine, but the plant here meant is probably the prickly acanthus, which quickly covers any spot left uncultivated (<a href="/job/30-7.htm">Job 30:7</a>). Revised Version margin suggests wild vetches. Ovid, 'Trist.,' 5:12. 21 - <p><span class="foreign">"Adde, quod ingenium louga rubigine laesum<br />Torpet, et est multo, quam fuitante, minus.<br />Fertilis, assiduo si non renovetur aratro,<br />Nil, nisicum spinis gramen, habebit ager."</span> So spiritual writers have used this apologue as teaching a lesson concerning the soul and the life of man, how that spiritual sloth allows the growth of evil habits, and the carelessness which maintains not the defence of law and prayer, but admits the enemy, and the result is the loss of the true riches and the perishing of the heavenly life. The two verses are thus rendered, or morally applied, in the Septuagint: "A foolish man is as a farm. and a man wanting in sense is as a vineyard; if you leave him, he will be barren, and will be altogether covered with weeds, and he will become deserted, and his fences of stone are broken down." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/24-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Thorns</span><br /><span class="heb">קִמְּשֹׂנִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(qim·mə·śō·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2738.htm">Strong's 2738: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pointed, a bramble, other thorny weed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had grown up</span><br /><span class="heb">עָ֘לָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">everywhere,</span><br /><span class="heb">כֻלּ֨וֹ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ḵul·lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thistles</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲרֻלִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·rul·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7063.htm">Strong's 7063: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prickly plant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had covered</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּסּ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(kās·sū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3680.htm">Strong's 3680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To plump, fill up hollows, to cover</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ground,</span><br /><span class="heb">פָנָ֣יו</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the stone</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבָנָ֣יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stone</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wall</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגֶ֖דֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡe·ḏer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1444.htm">Strong's 1444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A circumvallation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was broken down.</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶהֱרָֽסָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ne·hĕ·rā·sāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:31 Behold it was all grown over (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 24:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 24:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/24-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 24:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 24:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>