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Proverbs 10:4
Verse
Context
Sermons
William MacDonald
Tim Conway
Zac Poonen
Phoebe Palmer
Harriet N. Cook
Derek Prince
Margaret FellSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
There follow two proverbs which say how one man fails and another succeeds: He becomes poor who bears a sluggish hand; But the hand of the diligent maketh rich. These three proverbs, Pro 19:15; Pro 12:24, Pro 12:27, are similar. From the last two it is seen that רמיּה is a subst., as also from Psa 120:2. (לשׁון רמיּה, from a crafty tongue) that it is an adject., and from Lev 14:15. (where כּף is fem.) that it may be at the same time an adject. here also. The masc. is רמי, like טרי to טריּה ot , but neither of these occur; "the fundamental idea is that of throwing oneself down lazily, when one with unbent muscles holds himself no longer erect and stretched, Arab. taramy" (Fl.). The translation: deceitful balances (Lwenstein after Rashi), is contrary to biblical usage, which knows nothing of כף in this Mishnic meaning. But if כף is here regarded as fem., then it cannot be the subject (Jerome, egestatem operata est manus remissa), since we read עשׂה, not עשׂה. But ראשׁ also is not suitable as the subject (lxx, Syr., Targ.), for poverty is called רישׁ, רישׁ, ראשׁ; on the contrary, רשׁ, plur. רשׁים or ראשׁים, is used adjectively. Since now the adject. רשׁ, Sa1 12:14, is also written ראשׁ, it may be translated: Poor is he who... (Bertheau); but we much rather expect the statement of that which happens to such an one, thus: Poor will he be... ראשׁ, 3 praet. = רשׁ, Psa 34:11, with the same (grammatically incorrect) full writing as קאם, Hos 10:14. In the conception of the subject, כף־רמיה, after Jer 48:10, is interpreted as the accus. of the manner (Berth.: whoever works with sluggish hand); but since עשׂה רמיה (in another sense indeed: to practise cunning) is a common phrase, Psa 52:4; Psa 101:7, so also will כף־רמיה be regarded as the object: qui agit manum remissam, whoever carries or moves such a hand (Hitzig). In 4b working is placed opposite to bearing: the diligent hand makes rich, ditat or divitias parit; but not for itself (Gesen. and others: becomes rich), but for him who bears it. The diligent man is called חרוּץ, from חרץ, to sharpen, for, as in ὀξύς, acer, sharpness is transferred to energy; the form is the same as הלּוּק, smooth (for the ā is unchangeable, because recompensative), a kindred form to קטול like חמוץ, and Arab. fâ'ûl as fashawsh, a boaster, wind-bag, either of active (as חנּוּן) or (as חלוק, חרוץ, עמּוּד, שׁכּוּל) of passive signification.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
slack--literally, "deceitful," failing of its purpose (compare Hos 7:16). maketh rich--(compare Pro 10:22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand,.... That is either remiss in giving to the necessities of others, according to his abilities, and as cases require; or that is negligent and slothful in his business. Or, "that worketh with a deceitful hand"; or, "with a hand of deceit" (u), as it may be rendered; who pretends to work, but does not; makes a show as if he did, but acts deceitfully; or who uses many tricking and deceitful ways and methods to live, as usually slothful persons do. Aben Ezra observes, it may be rendered and interpreted, "he becomes poor that makes a deceitful balance"; thinking to enrich himself by such fraudulent practices: or, as others, "a deceitful balance maketh poor" (w); such seldom or ever thrive, or it does not long prosper with them who use such unlawful methods; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich; that is, with the blessing of God along with it, as in Pro 10:22; such who are "sharp" (x) and acute, as the word signifies; who are careful and industrious, mind their business, and do the honest part; these, with a divine blessing, frequently grow rich: or rather who are like those that dig in the earth for gold, who search for it with great eagerness and diligence; for from this root is a word often used for gold, Pro 3:14. All this is true in a spiritual sense; such who are slothful in attendance on the means of grace, the word and ordinances, are slack and negligent in duty, bring a spiritual poverty upon them; and like the Laodicean church, who, through her lukewarmness and carnal security, became poor and wretched, blind and naked: on the other hand, such who are diligent in the use of means are frequent at the throne of grace, forsake not the assembly of the saints, constantly wait at Wisdom's gates; these grow rich in grace and in all good works. (u) "vola doli", Montanus; "fraudulenta manu", Tigurine version, Cocceius, Schultens; so Junius & Tremellius, Michaelis. (w) So Mercerus. (x) "acuti", Bochart. Hierizoic. par. 1. l. 2. c. 55. col. 668.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We are here told, 1. Who those are who, though rich, are in a fair way to become poor - those who deal with a slack hand, who are careless and remiss in their business, and never mind which end goes foremost, nor ever set their hands vigorously to their work or stick to it; those who deal with a deceitful hand (so it may be read); those who think to enrich themselves by fraud and tricking will, in the end, impoverish themselves, not only by bringing the curse of God on what they have, but by forfeiting their reputation with men; none will care to deal with those who deal with sleight of hand and are honest only with good looking to. 2. Who those are who, though poor, are in a fair way to become rich - those who are diligent and honest, who are careful about their affairs, and, what their hands find to do, do it with all their might, in a fair and honourable way, those are likely to increase what they have. The hand of the acute (so some), of those who are sharp, but not sharpers; the hand of the active (so others); the stirring hand gets a penny. This is true in the affairs of our souls as well as in our worldly affairs; slothfulness and hypocrisy lead to spiritual poverty, but those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith and rich in good works.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:4-5 Lazy people are foolish, while hard workers are wise (see also 10:26; 26:13-16).
Proverbs 10:4
Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
3The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked. 4Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
True Treasure
By William MacDonald1.5K32:49Treasure In HeavenEXO 20:9PRO 10:4MAT 6:19MAT 6:33JHN 3:162CO 4:181TH 5:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting God's work above our own desires and needs. He highlights the biblical teaching of working hard for our current needs but also prioritizing the work of the Lord. The preacher encourages believers to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, emphasizing the eternal value of investing in God's kingdom. He also reminds the audience that where our treasure is, there our heart will be, urging them to examine where their true treasure lies. Additionally, the preacher briefly touches on the topic of the eye being the lamp of the body, suggesting that our focus and perspective should be aligned with God's word.
O Church Arise!
By Tim Conway1.4K1:00:40Personal RevivalPRO 10:4ISA 58:8MRK 16:20LUK 16:1ROM 12:11COL 3:232TI 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of working for the Lord while there is still time. He shares a personal experience of attending his class reunion and realizing how quickly time has passed. He uses the parable of the dishonest manager to illustrate the importance of being faithful and diligent in our service to God. The preacher encourages the congregation to do everything with all their might and to learn from the shrewdness of the people of this world in dealing with their own generation.
(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:01:13PRO 10:4PRO 12:22PRO 13:14PRO 14:15PRO 17:28ROM 8:28REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to a fountain of life that helps us avoid the snares of debt. The preacher encourages believers to control their tongues and speak words that are like a spring of fresh water, bringing life to others. He also emphasizes the need for diligence and hard work, both in our spiritual lives and in making disciples. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be trustworthy messengers of peace and to embrace discipline and criticism for growth.
And One of the Elders Answered, Saying Unto Me, Who Are These Which Are Arrayed in White Robes?
By Phoebe Palmer0PRO 10:4Phoebe Palmer emphasizes the importance of enduring great tribulations and maintaining devotion to navigate through the challenges of the world, drawing parallels to the martyrs' faith. She highlights the diligence required to pursue holiness and spiritual growth, prioritizing the science of holy living above earthly knowledge. Palmer encourages believers to rise early to seek God, study the Scriptures, and present themselves as living sacrifices, ready for God's use in any area of life. She stresses the significance of representing Christ faithfully on earth to combat infidelity and fulfill the responsibilities as His followers.
The Ant
By Harriet N. Cook0PRO 6:6PRO 10:4PRO 13:4ECC 9:10COL 3:23Harriet N. Cook emphasizes the lesson of diligence and wisdom from Proverbs 6:6, using the example of the ant's hard work and constant activity to shame the sluggard into action. By observing the ants' industrious nature and lack of supervision, the sluggard is encouraged to be diligent in all tasks, recognizing that idleness goes against God's design for everyone, even children. Cook highlights the intricate and skillful work of ants and honey-bees as a testament to God's provision of wisdom and ability in His creation.
Laziness Brings Poverty
By Derek Prince0PRO 6:9PRO 10:4PRO 13:4PRO 20:4PRO 24:33Derek Prince delves into Proverbs 6:9-11, highlighting the spiritual root cause of poverty as laziness. He emphasizes that poverty and scarcity are not just material conditions but have spiritual origins. Prince warns that indulging in laziness can lead to a swift arrival of poverty, which forces its way in like a bandit. He stresses that the remedy for poverty is primarily spiritual, urging listeners to assess their spiritual condition if facing financial struggles.
A General Epistle to Friends
By Margaret Fell0EXO 14:13PSA 34:18PRO 10:4MAT 5:6JHN 3:20PHP 2:10HEB 10:38JAS 4:61JN 1:1Margaret Fell preaches about the call to embrace the eternal light of God, to be awakened from spiritual death by Christ, and to stand in awe of God's salvation. She warns against pursuing material wealth and laboring for temporary things, emphasizing the importance of humility, meekness, and obedience to God. Margaret urges the listeners to seek righteousness, purity, and holiness, as those are the desires that God satisfies, while condemning division and outward distractions that lead to judgment.
God Will Not Bless the Lazy
By Bakht Singh0DEU 28:12PRO 10:4JHN 5:17COL 3:23Bakht Singh emphasizes the promise of God to open the heavens and bless the work of our hands, highlighting the importance of being active and diligent in our endeavors to receive God's blessings. He warns against laziness, stating that God cannot bless those who are idle and encourages believers to engage in constructive and lawful work, seeking God's favor upon it.
The Devil's Tennis-Ball
By Thomas Brooks0IdlenessSpiritual VigilancePRO 10:4ECC 10:18EPH 5:151TH 5:142TH 3:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of idleness in his sermon 'The Devil's Tennis-Ball,' warning that idleness invites temptation and makes individuals vulnerable to the devil's influence. He draws parallels between ancient societies that harshly punished idleness and the Christian call to actively engage in good works. Brooks challenges Christians to reject idleness and not associate with those who neglect their responsibilities, urging believers to be diligent and purposeful in their lives.
Great Is the Reward
By Clement of Rome0PSA 34:8PRO 10:42CO 9:6EPH 3:20HEB 13:16Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of being diligent and not lazy in doing good works, as the Lord will reward each person according to their deeds. He encourages believers to have confidence in God, submit to His will, and boast in Him alone. Clement reminds the audience of the countless angels ready to fulfill God's commands and praises being offered to Him continually. He urges unity among believers in earnest prayer to partake in God's magnificent promises, beyond what human eyes or ears can comprehend.
On the Footpath to Success
By J.R. Miller0True SuccessCharacter BuildingPRO 10:4COL 3:23J.R. Miller emphasizes the true meaning of success, urging young men to pursue achievements that are built on integrity and hard work rather than superficial wealth or fame. He defines success not just by material gain but by qualities such as industry, dependability, economy, and courtesy, which contribute to a meaningful life. Miller warns against the pitfalls of dishonesty and extravagance, advocating for a life that prioritizes character and service to others. Ultimately, he asserts that true success encompasses the entirety of one's life and character, extending beyond earthly achievements into eternity.
Jesus Teaches About Persistence and Prayer Matthew 7:7-11
By David Servant0PRO 10:4PRO 13:4PRO 21:25MAT 7:7JAS 1:6David Servant delves into Jesus' sermon on the mountainside, suggesting that beyond prayer, Jesus was addressing laziness and the importance of persistence. While Jesus' words on asking, seeking, and knocking can be related to prayer, they also emphasize the need for proactive effort in all aspects of life. Jesus encourages His followers to be diligent in seeking, asking, and knocking, highlighting that those who put in the effort are the ones who see results. This principle applies not only to material pursuits but also to prayer, emphasizing the need for believers to persist in faith and not give up easily.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
There follow two proverbs which say how one man fails and another succeeds: He becomes poor who bears a sluggish hand; But the hand of the diligent maketh rich. These three proverbs, Pro 19:15; Pro 12:24, Pro 12:27, are similar. From the last two it is seen that רמיּה is a subst., as also from Psa 120:2. (לשׁון רמיּה, from a crafty tongue) that it is an adject., and from Lev 14:15. (where כּף is fem.) that it may be at the same time an adject. here also. The masc. is רמי, like טרי to טריּה ot , but neither of these occur; "the fundamental idea is that of throwing oneself down lazily, when one with unbent muscles holds himself no longer erect and stretched, Arab. taramy" (Fl.). The translation: deceitful balances (Lwenstein after Rashi), is contrary to biblical usage, which knows nothing of כף in this Mishnic meaning. But if כף is here regarded as fem., then it cannot be the subject (Jerome, egestatem operata est manus remissa), since we read עשׂה, not עשׂה. But ראשׁ also is not suitable as the subject (lxx, Syr., Targ.), for poverty is called רישׁ, רישׁ, ראשׁ; on the contrary, רשׁ, plur. רשׁים or ראשׁים, is used adjectively. Since now the adject. רשׁ, Sa1 12:14, is also written ראשׁ, it may be translated: Poor is he who... (Bertheau); but we much rather expect the statement of that which happens to such an one, thus: Poor will he be... ראשׁ, 3 praet. = רשׁ, Psa 34:11, with the same (grammatically incorrect) full writing as קאם, Hos 10:14. In the conception of the subject, כף־רמיה, after Jer 48:10, is interpreted as the accus. of the manner (Berth.: whoever works with sluggish hand); but since עשׂה רמיה (in another sense indeed: to practise cunning) is a common phrase, Psa 52:4; Psa 101:7, so also will כף־רמיה be regarded as the object: qui agit manum remissam, whoever carries or moves such a hand (Hitzig). In 4b working is placed opposite to bearing: the diligent hand makes rich, ditat or divitias parit; but not for itself (Gesen. and others: becomes rich), but for him who bears it. The diligent man is called חרוּץ, from חרץ, to sharpen, for, as in ὀξύς, acer, sharpness is transferred to energy; the form is the same as הלּוּק, smooth (for the ā is unchangeable, because recompensative), a kindred form to קטול like חמוץ, and Arab. fâ'ûl as fashawsh, a boaster, wind-bag, either of active (as חנּוּן) or (as חלוק, חרוץ, עמּוּד, שׁכּוּל) of passive signification.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
slack--literally, "deceitful," failing of its purpose (compare Hos 7:16). maketh rich--(compare Pro 10:22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand,.... That is either remiss in giving to the necessities of others, according to his abilities, and as cases require; or that is negligent and slothful in his business. Or, "that worketh with a deceitful hand"; or, "with a hand of deceit" (u), as it may be rendered; who pretends to work, but does not; makes a show as if he did, but acts deceitfully; or who uses many tricking and deceitful ways and methods to live, as usually slothful persons do. Aben Ezra observes, it may be rendered and interpreted, "he becomes poor that makes a deceitful balance"; thinking to enrich himself by such fraudulent practices: or, as others, "a deceitful balance maketh poor" (w); such seldom or ever thrive, or it does not long prosper with them who use such unlawful methods; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich; that is, with the blessing of God along with it, as in Pro 10:22; such who are "sharp" (x) and acute, as the word signifies; who are careful and industrious, mind their business, and do the honest part; these, with a divine blessing, frequently grow rich: or rather who are like those that dig in the earth for gold, who search for it with great eagerness and diligence; for from this root is a word often used for gold, Pro 3:14. All this is true in a spiritual sense; such who are slothful in attendance on the means of grace, the word and ordinances, are slack and negligent in duty, bring a spiritual poverty upon them; and like the Laodicean church, who, through her lukewarmness and carnal security, became poor and wretched, blind and naked: on the other hand, such who are diligent in the use of means are frequent at the throne of grace, forsake not the assembly of the saints, constantly wait at Wisdom's gates; these grow rich in grace and in all good works. (u) "vola doli", Montanus; "fraudulenta manu", Tigurine version, Cocceius, Schultens; so Junius & Tremellius, Michaelis. (w) So Mercerus. (x) "acuti", Bochart. Hierizoic. par. 1. l. 2. c. 55. col. 668.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We are here told, 1. Who those are who, though rich, are in a fair way to become poor - those who deal with a slack hand, who are careless and remiss in their business, and never mind which end goes foremost, nor ever set their hands vigorously to their work or stick to it; those who deal with a deceitful hand (so it may be read); those who think to enrich themselves by fraud and tricking will, in the end, impoverish themselves, not only by bringing the curse of God on what they have, but by forfeiting their reputation with men; none will care to deal with those who deal with sleight of hand and are honest only with good looking to. 2. Who those are who, though poor, are in a fair way to become rich - those who are diligent and honest, who are careful about their affairs, and, what their hands find to do, do it with all their might, in a fair and honourable way, those are likely to increase what they have. The hand of the acute (so some), of those who are sharp, but not sharpers; the hand of the active (so others); the stirring hand gets a penny. This is true in the affairs of our souls as well as in our worldly affairs; slothfulness and hypocrisy lead to spiritual poverty, but those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith and rich in good works.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:4-5 Lazy people are foolish, while hard workers are wise (see also 10:26; 26:13-16).