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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 20:4 The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/20-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/20_Pro_20_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 20:4 - Wine is a Mocker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there." /><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'; 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so at harvest time they look but find nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; <i>therefore</i> shall he beg in harvest, and <i>have</i> nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The lazy <i>man</i> will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and <i>have</i> nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lazy one does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The sluggard does not plow from winter <i>on</i>, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives; So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The slacker does not plow during planting season; at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The slacker does not plow during planting season; at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The slothful will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A lazy person does not plow in the fall. He looks for something in the harvest but finds nothing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A farmer too lazy to plow his fields at the right time will have nothing to harvest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A lazy person doesn't plow in the proper season; he looks for a harvest, but there is nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he looks for the crop but has nothing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The slothful does not plow because of winter, "" He asks in harvest, and there is nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Because of winter the slothful plougheth not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The slothful one reproaching will not work: he shall ask in harvest, and nothing.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Because of the cold the sluggard would not plough: he shall beg therefore in the summer, and it shall not be given him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Because of the cold, the lazy one was not willing to plough. Therefore, in the summer, he will beg, and it will not be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />In seedtime sluggards do not plow; when they look for the harvest, it is not there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The lazy person does not plow in season; harvest comes, and there is nothing to be found.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The lazy man is reproached and he will not cease from talking; therefore he shall beg during harvest but will not receive even water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A lazy man is reproached and does not keep silent; he begs in harvest and there is no water.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The sluggard will not plow when winter setteth in; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed: so also he who borrows corn in harvest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-4.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=3948" 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/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6102.htm" title="6102: ‘ā·ṣêl (Adj-ms) -- Sluggish, lazy. From atsal; indolent.">The slacker</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2790.htm" title="2790: ya·ḥă·rōš (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To cut in, engrave, plow, devise.">plow</a> <a href="/hebrew/2779.htm" title="2779: mê·ḥō·rep̄ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Harvest time, autumn. From charaph. properly, the crop gathered, i.e. the autumn season; figuratively, ripeness of age.">in season;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7105.htm" title="7105: baq·qā·ṣîr (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- From qatsar; severed, i.e. Harvest, the crop, the time, the reaper, or figuratively; also a limb.">at harvest time</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: yiš·ʾal (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">he looks,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wā·’ā·yin (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">but nothing is there.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.…<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="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4-5</a></span><br />Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. / He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a></span><br />The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Proverbs 19:15</a></span><br />Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a></span><br />I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:4</a></span><br />He who watches the wind will fail to sow, and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-24.htm">Matthew 25:24-30</a></span><br />Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ / ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47-48</a></span><br />That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Luke 16:10-12</a></span><br />Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. / So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? / And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10-12</a></span><br />For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-9</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-11.htm">Hebrews 6:11-12</a></span><br />We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. / Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a></span><br />What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-17.htm">James 4:17</a></span><br />Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.</p><p class="hdg">sluggard</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a></b></br> He becometh poor that dealeth <i>with</i> a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Proverbs 19:15,24</a></b></br> Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Proverbs 26:13-16</a></b></br> The slothful <i>man</i> saith, <i>There is</i> a lion in the way; a lion <i>is</i> in the streets… </p><p class="hdg">cold</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-10.htm">Proverbs 6:10,11</a></b></br> <i>Yet</i> a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Proverbs 19:15</a></b></br> Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-34.htm">Proverbs 24:34</a></b></br> So shall thy poverty come <i>as</i> one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/84-6.htm">Autumn</a> <a href="/psalms/119-108.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Begs</a> <a href="/psalms/147-17.htm">Cold</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-8.htm">Grain-Cutting</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-20.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/job/39-10.htm">Plough</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-24.htm">Plougheth</a> <a href="/psalms/129-3.htm">Ploughing</a> <a href="/job/4-8.htm">Plow</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/psalms/78-18.htm">Requesting</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Season</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Sluggard</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/psalms/74-17.htm">Winter</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/5-24.htm">Autumn</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-3.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Begs</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Cold</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-13.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Grain-Cutting</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-23.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-10.htm">Plough</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-24.htm">Plougheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Ploughing</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-24.htm">Plow</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-16.htm">Requesting</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Season</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Sluggard</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm">Time</a> <a href="/songs/2-11.htm">Winter</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</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/20.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/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The slacker does not plow in season;</b><br>This phrase highlights the importance of diligence and timely action. In ancient agrarian societies, plowing was a critical task that had to be done at the right time to ensure a successful harvest. The "slacker" represents a person who neglects their responsibilities, failing to prepare when the opportunity is present. This concept is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</a>, where the ant is praised for its industriousness and foresight. The biblical principle of sowing and reaping is evident here, emphasizing that neglecting one's duties leads to inevitable consequences. The idea of seasons is also significant, as it reflects the natural order established by God, as seen in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1-8</a>, where there is a time for every activity under heaven.<p><b>at harvest time he looks,</b><br>The act of looking at harvest time implies expectation and hope for a return on investment. However, for the slacker, this expectation is unfounded due to their earlier negligence. This serves as a warning against procrastination and laziness, which are condemned throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, Jesus uses agricultural metaphors to teach about spiritual readiness and the Kingdom of God, such as in the Parable of the Sower (<a href="/matthew/13.htm">Matthew 13:1-23</a>). The principle of being prepared and vigilant is also seen in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (<a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>), where those who were not ready missed the bridegroom's arrival.<p><b>but nothing is there.</b><br>The outcome of the slacker's inaction is barrenness and lack. This phrase underscores the biblical truth that actions have consequences, a theme prevalent throughout Proverbs. The absence of a harvest serves as a metaphor for spiritual and material poverty resulting from laziness. In the broader biblical narrative, this can be connected to the parable of the talents (<a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a>), where the servant who did nothing with his talent faced judgment. The concept of reaping what one sows is a universal biblical principle, as stated in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a>, where Paul warns that those who sow to please their flesh will reap destruction. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of diligence and the futility of expecting results without effort.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sluggard.htm">The Sluggard</a></b><br>A recurring character in Proverbs, representing laziness and a lack of diligence. The sluggard is often used as a cautionary example of what not to be.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/plowing_season.htm">Plowing Season</a></b><br>A critical time for agricultural societies, representing the period when work must be done to ensure a future harvest. It symbolizes preparation and diligence.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/harvest_time.htm">Harvest Time</a></b><br>The time of reaping what has been sown. It represents the results of one's labor and the consequences of one's actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_diligence.htm">The Importance of Diligence</a></b><br>Diligence in our work and spiritual lives is crucial. Just as the sluggard misses the opportunity to plow, we must not miss opportunities to grow and serve.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_laziness.htm">Consequences of Laziness</a></b><br>Laziness leads to lack and disappointment. The sluggard's failure to act results in an empty harvest, teaching us that neglecting responsibilities has consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_preparation.htm">Spiritual Preparation</a></b><br>Just as plowing prepares the ground for harvest, we must prepare our hearts and lives for spiritual growth and blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seizing_the_right_season.htm">Seizing the Right Season</a></b><br>Recognize and act in the appropriate seasons of life. There is a time for every purpose, and missing these times can lead to missed blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_responsibility.htm">Personal Responsibility</a></b><br>We are responsible for our actions and their outcomes. The sluggard's plight is a reminder that we must take ownership of our duties and their results.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_delay.htm">What does the Bible say about procrastination?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_laziness.htm">What does the Bible say about laziness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_idleness_lead_to_poverty.htm">Does idleness lead to poverty?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_modern_farms_match_oxen_yields.htm">Proverbs 14:4: How do we reconcile 'abundant harvests' from oxen with modern agricultural methods that don't rely on animal power?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The sluggard will not plough by reason of the cold;</span> <span class="accented">propter frigus</span>, Vulgate. But <span class="hebrew">חֹרֶפ</span> (<span class="accented">choreph</span>) denotes the time of gathering - the autumn; so we would translate, "At the time of harvest the sluggard ploughs not" - just when the ground is most easily and profitably worked. "The weakness of the coulter and other parts of the plough requires that advantage be taken, in all but the most friable soils, of the softening of the surface by the winter or spring rains; so that the peasant, if industrious, has to plough in the winter, though sluggards still shrink from its cold, and have to beg in the harvest" (Geikie, 'Holy Land and Bible,' 2:491). <span class="cmt_word">Therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.</span> So the Vulgate, <span class="accented">Mendicabit ergo aestate, et non dabitur illi.</span> But this does not accurately represent the meaning of the clause. If ever the prosperous are disposed to relieve the needy, it would be at the time when they have safely garnered their produce; an appeal to their charity at such a moment would not be made in vain. Rather the sentence signifies that the lazy man, having neglected to have his land ploughed at the proper time, "when he asks (for his fruits) at harvest time, there is nothing." He puts off tilling his fields day after day, or never looks to see if his labourers do their duty, and so his land is not cultivated, and he has no crop to reap when autumn comes. "By the street of By-and-by one arrives at the house of Never" (Spanish proverb). Taking a different interpretation of the word <span class="accented">choreph</span>, the LXX. renders, "Being reproached, the sluggard is not ashamed, no more than he who borrows corn in harvest." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-4.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">The sluggard</span><br /><span class="heb">עָצֵ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ṣêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6102.htm">Strong's 6102: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sluggish, lazy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">does not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">plow</span><br /><span class="heb">יַחֲרֹ֑שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ya·ḥă·rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2790.htm">Strong's 2790: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut in, engrave, plow, devise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in season;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֭חֹרֶף</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥō·rep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2779.htm">Strong's 2779: </a> </span><span class="str2">The crop gathered, the autumn, season, ripeness of age</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at harvest time</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּקָּצִ֣יר</span> <span class="translit">(baq·qā·ṣîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7105.htm">Strong's 7105: </a> </span><span class="str2">Severed, harvest, the crop, the time, the reaper, a limb</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he looks,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׁאַ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šā·’al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but nothing is there.</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאָֽיִן׃</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ā·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:5" /></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>