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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm" title="Proverbs 12:10">◄</a> Proverbs 12:11 <a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm" title="Proverbs 12:12">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.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/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain <i>persons is</i> void of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity <i>is</i> devoid of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who works his land will have plenty of bread, But one who pursues worthless <i>things</i> lacks sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who pursues vain <i>things</i> lacks sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who cultivates his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who pursues empty <i>things</i> lacks a heart <i>of wisdom</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows worthless <i>things</i> lacks common sense <i>and</i> good judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Hard working farmers have more than enough food; daydreamers are nothing more than stupid fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever works his land will have plenty to eat, but the one who chases unrealistic dreams has no sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat, but it is stupid to waste time on useless projects. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever tills his soil will have a lot to eat, but anyone who pursues fantasies lacks sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever chases daydreams lacks wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is tilling the ground is satisfied [with] bread, "" And whoever is pursuing vanities is lacking heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is tilling the ground is satisfied with bread, And whoso is pursuing vanities is lacking heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He working his earth shall be filled with bread: and he pursuing vain things wanted heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that pursueth idleness is very foolish. He that is delighted in passing his time over wine, leaveth a reproach in his strong holds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever continually pursues leisure is most foolish. Whoever is soothed by lingering over wine leaves behind contempt in his strongholds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who till their own land have food in plenty, but those who engage in idle pursuits lack sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who till their land will have plenty of food, but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he who follows vain pursuits lacks understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that cultivates the soil will be filled with bread, and he that runs after futility is devoid of reason.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain things is void of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/12-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2218" 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/12.htm">Loving Discipline and Knowledge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: ‘ō·ḇêḏ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">The one who works</a> <a href="/hebrew/127.htm" title="127: ’aḏ·mā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Ground, land. From 'adam; soil.">his land</a> <a href="/hebrew/7646.htm" title="7646: yiś·ba‘- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be sated, satisfied or surfeited. Or sabeay; a primitive root; to sate, i.e. Fill to satisfaction.">will have plenty of</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: lā·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">food,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: ū·mə·rad·dêp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">but whoever chases</a> <a href="/hebrew/7386.htm" title="7386: rê·qîm (Adj-mp) -- Empty, vain. Or req; from ruwq; empty; figuratively, worthless.">fantasies</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: ḥă·sar- (Adj-msc) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">lacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">judgment.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.…<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/28-19.htm">Proverbs 28:19</a></span><br />The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.<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="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a></span><br />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="/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/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a></span><br />There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-13.htm">Proverbs 20:13</a></span><br />Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Proverbs 21:25-26</a></span><br />The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. / All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.<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/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="/matthew/25-26.htm">Matthew 25:26-30</a></span><br />‘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. / Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. / Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Luke 12:42-46</a></span><br />And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11-12</a></span><br />and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a></span><br />He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a></span><br />If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows vain persons is void of understanding.</p><p class="hdg">tilleth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Proverbs 13:23</a></b></br> Much food <i>is in</i> the tillage of the poor: but there is <i>that is</i> destroyed for want of judgment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4,23</a></b></br> Where no oxen <i>are</i>, the crib <i>is</i> clean: but much increase <i>is</i> by the strength of the ox… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm">Proverbs 27:27</a></b></br> And <i>thou shalt have</i> goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and <i>for</i> the maintenance for thy maidens.</p><p class="hdg">he that followeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-10.htm">Proverbs 1:10</a></b></br> My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Proverbs 4:14,15</a></b></br> Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil <i>men</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a></b></br> <i>But</i> whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he <i>that</i> doeth it destroyeth his own soul.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/3-2.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Chases</a> <a href="/psalms/73-20.htm">Fantasies</a> <a href="/psalms/63-8.htm">Followeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Follows</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-29.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/147-6.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-22.htm">Lacks</a> <a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-10.htm">Plenty</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Pursues</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Pursuits</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-25.htm">Satisfied</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Short</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Tilleth</a> <a href="/psalms/141-7.htm">Tilling</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Tills</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/psalms/119-37.htm">Vanities</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Work</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Works</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/13-7.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Chases</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Fantasies</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Followeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Follows</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-14.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-28.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-20.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Lacks</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-13.htm">Plenty</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-21.htm">Pursues</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Pursuits</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-14.htm">Satisfied</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Short</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Tilleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Tilling</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Tills</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Vanities</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-14.htm">Work</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Works</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/12-1.htm">Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/12.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>He who works his land</b><br />This phrase emphasizes the virtue of diligence and hard work. The Hebrew word for "works" is "עֹבֵד" (oved), which implies laboring or serving with dedication. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, working the land was a common occupation, and it required consistent effort and patience. This phrase suggests that those who commit themselves to their responsibilities and tasks will be rewarded. The land symbolizes the resources and opportunities God provides, and working it signifies being faithful stewards of what we have been given.<p><b>will have plenty of food</b><br />The promise of "plenty of food" is a direct result of diligent labor. The Hebrew word for "plenty" is "שָׂבַע" (sava), meaning satisfaction or abundance. This reflects a principle found throughout Scripture: God blesses those who are faithful and industrious. In a broader sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment and fulfillment. Just as physical labor yields physical sustenance, spiritual diligence leads to spiritual abundance.<p><b>but whoever chases fantasies</b><br />The contrast here is stark. The phrase "chases fantasies" uses the Hebrew word "רֵיקִים" (reqim), meaning empty or vain things. This highlights the futility of pursuing unrealistic or idle dreams without the willingness to work for them. In the historical context, this could refer to those who neglect their duties in favor of get-rich-quick schemes or idle pursuits. It serves as a warning against the temptation to seek shortcuts to success without putting in the necessary effort.<p><b>lacks judgment</b><br />The consequence of chasing fantasies is a lack of judgment, or "חָסֵר לֵב" (chaser lev) in Hebrew, which literally means lacking heart or understanding. This phrase implies a deficiency in wisdom and discernment. In the biblical context, wisdom is highly valued, and it is often associated with the fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments. The verse suggests that true wisdom involves recognizing the value of hard work and the dangers of laziness or impractical ambitions.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">Vain persons.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">things, </span>such as "searching for hid treasures" (<a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm" title="If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures;">Proverbs 2:4</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - A contrast between industry and idleness, repeated at <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Proverbs 28:19</a>. <span class="cmt_word">He that tilleth his land.</span> Agriculture was the first of industries, and always highly commended among the Jews, bringing a sure return to the diligent (<a href="/proverbs/10-5.htm">Proverbs 10:5</a>; <a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a>; <a href="/proverbs/27-18.htm">Proverbs 27:18, 23-27</a>; and Ecclus. 20:28). <span class="cmt_word">He that followeth after vain persons;</span> rather, <span class="accented">vain things</span>; <span class="greek">μάταια</span>, Septuagint, empty, useless employments, profitless business, in contrast to active labour on the land. The Vulgate renders, <span class="accented">qui sectatur otium</span>, "he who studieth ease;" but the original, <span class="accented">reikim</span>, will not bear this meaning. <span class="cmt_word">Is void of understanding;</span> he not only, as is implied, will be reduced to poverty, but shows moral weakness and depravity. The Septuagint and Vulgate here introduce a paragraph not found in our Hebrew text: "He who takes pleasure (<span class="greek">ὅς ἐστιν ἡδύς</span>) in carouses of wine will leave disgrace in his strongholds (<span class="greek">ὀχυρώμασι</span>)" (<a href="/isaiah/28-7.htm">Isaiah 28:7, 8</a>; <a href="/habakkuk/2-16.htm">Habakkuk 2:16</a>). Probably this verse is derived from the following, with some corruption of the text. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/12-11.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">He who works</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹבֵ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·ḇêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, to serve, till, enslave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his land</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֭דְמָתוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’aḏ·mā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_127.htm">Strong's 127: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ground, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will have plenty of</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽשְׂבַּֽע־</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·ba‘-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7646.htm">Strong's 7646: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be sated, satisfied or surfeited</span><br /><br /><span class="word">food,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֑חֶם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> </span><span class="str2">Food, bread, grain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but whoever chases</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְרַדֵּ֖ף</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·rad·dêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fantasies</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵיקִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(rê·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7386.htm">Strong's 7386: </a> </span><span class="str2">Empty, worthless</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lacks</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲסַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·sar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> </span><span class="str2">Needy, lacking, in want of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judgment.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:11 He who tills his land shall have (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 12:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 12:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 12:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 12:12" /></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>