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Proverbs 13:4
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The three proverbs (Pro 13:1-3) which refer to hearing and speaking are now following by a fourth which, like Pro 13:2 and Pro 13:3, speaks of the נפשׁ. The soul of the sluggard desires, yet has not; But the soul of the industrious is richly satisfied. The view that the o in נפשׁו עצל is the cholem compaginis, Bttcher, 835, meets with the right answer that this would be the only example of a vocal casus in the whole of gnomic poetry; but when on his own part (Neue Aehrenlese, 1305) he regards נפשׁו as the accus. of the nearer definition (= בּנפשׁו), he proceeds inadvertently on the view that the first word of the proverb is מתאוּה, while we read מתאוּה, and נפשׁו is thus the nom. of the subject. נפשׁו עצל means "his (the sluggard's) soul" (for עצל occurs as explanatory permutative briefly for נפשׁ עצל), as סעיפיה פּריּה means "its branches (i.e., of the fruitful tree)," Isa 17:6. One might, it is true, add ה to the following word here, as at Pro 14:13; but the similar expression appertaining to the syntax ornata occurs also Sa2 22:33; Psa 71:7, and elsewhere, where this is impracticable. Meri appropriately compares the scheme Exo 2:6, she saw him, viz., the boy. With reference to the ואין here violently (cf. Pro 28:1) introduced, Bttcher rightly remarks, that it is an adverb altogether like necquidquam, Pro 14:6; Pro 20:4, Psa 68:21, etc., thus: appetit necquidquam anima ejus, scilicet pigri. 4b shows the meaning of the desire that has not, for there תדשּׁן occurs, a favourite strong Mishle word (Pro 11:25; Pro 28:25, etc.) for abundant satisfaction (the lxx here, as at 28:25, ἐν ἐπιμελείᾳ, sc. ἔσονται, instead of which, Montfaucon supposed πιμελείᾳ, which is, however, a word not authenticated). The slothful wishes and dreams of prosperity and abundance (cf. Pro 21:25., a parallel which the Syr. has here in view), but his desire remains unsatisfied, since the object is not gained but only lost by doing nothing; the industrious gain, and that richly, what the slothful wishes for, but in vain.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing,.... He desires knowledge, but does not care to be at any pains to get it, and so has it not; he desires riches, but chooses not to make use of the means, to be diligent and industrious, and so he is without them; he desires to wear good clothes and rich raiment, but is unwilling to labour for them, and therefore is clothed with rags; he desires food, and plenty of it, but refuses to work for it; and he that will not work should not eat, and therefore he has it not, but starves and famishes: and, in spiritual things, the sluggard desires heaven and happiness, but does not care to do the duties of religion; he would die the death of the righteous, but is unwilling to live his life; to abstain from sin, and live soberly and righteously, is too hard service for him; he does not choose to do or suffer anything for the cause of Christ and true religion. Jarchi's note is, that "in the future state he shall see the glory of the wise man, and desire it; but shall not attain to it;'' but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat; become rich; increase in temporal things, and have great plenty and prosperity; and so, in spiritual matters, such who are diligent in the use of means, constantly attend on the word and ordinances, and labour for the meat which endures to everlasting life; such are filled and satisfied, as with marrow and fatness; and become fat and flourishing, and fruitful in every good word and work; and shall at last arrive to that state where there will be no more hunger and thirst.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The misery and shame of the slothful. See how foolish and absurd they are; they desire the gains which the diligent get, but they hate the pains which the diligent take; they covet every thing that is to be coveted, but will do nothing that is to be done; and therefore it follows, They have nothing; for he that will not labour let him hunger, and let him not eat, Th2 3:10. The desire of the slothful, which should be his excitement, is his torment, which should make him busy, makes him always uneasy, and is really a greater toil to him than labour would be. 2. The happiness and honour of the diligent: Their soul shall be made fat; they shall have abundance, and shall have the comfortable enjoyment of it, and the more for its being the fruit of their diligence. This is especially true in spiritual affairs. Those that rest in idle wishes know not what the advantages of religion are; whereas those that take pains in the service of God find both the pleasure and profit of it.
Proverbs 13:4
A Father’s Discipline
3He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. 4The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You Ready for a Relationship?
By Paul Washer5.0K1:22:33Biblical ManhoodDEU 17:18PRO 10:5PRO 13:4PRO 28:19MAT 6:331CO 16:132TH 3:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experiences can make reality seem dull and unexciting. The speaker also raises the question of whether we are prioritizing pleasure and entertainment over saving for our future and the future of our children. He warns against getting lost in a fantasy world and encourages listeners to start thinking about their future and making responsible choices. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the influence of media and video games and urges listeners to make changes in their mindset and behavior.
Mercenary Christians
By Glenn Meldrum88458:12Critical SpiritPRO 13:4PRO 18:9MAT 6:331CO 15:582TH 3:10HEB 6:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of a mercenary mentality that has infiltrated the American church. He uses the story of Simon the sorcerer from Acts chapter eight to illustrate this point. Simon, who had previously used sorcery to deceive the people, believed in Jesus and was baptized. However, he still held onto his old mindset of thinking he could buy the power of God. The preacher emphasizes that Christianity goes against the idea of giving to get, as salvation cannot be earned through money or any other means. He urges the audience to examine their own thinking and remove any obstacles that hinder them from experiencing a true move of God.
Special Leaders Session
By George Verwer61059:23PRO 13:4MAT 6:33PHP 3:7PHP 3:13PHP 3:20HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching the word of God systematically and thoroughly. He criticizes the lack of proper training and instruction given to individuals involved in literature work. The speaker also highlights the need for diligence and discipline in the handling and distribution of literature, comparing it to the care given to weapons in war. He encourages the use of new ideas and taking initiative in evangelism, while also stressing the importance of learning and using the local language.
Letter 119
By James Bourne0DEU 4:29PRO 13:4PRO 24:33EZK 18:20JHN 10:9James Bourne emphasizes the importance of seeking a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ rather than just following a system of morality and opinion. He warns against the distractions and hindrances that the enemy uses to keep us from truly entering into a relationship with Christ. Bourne urges believers to diligently pray for God to reveal any love for worldly things or compromising spirits that may be keeping them from fully entering through the door of salvation.
The Seven Deadly Sins
By Russell DeLong0EXO 20:14PSA 37:21PRO 11:28PRO 13:4PRO 14:30PRO 16:18MAT 5:28JHN 1:7EPH 4:26JAS 4:6Russell DeLong preaches about the deadly nature of sin unless repented of and forgiven by God. Sin is any deliberate act against the known will of God, whether vertically against God or horizontally against other human beings, with internal effects on the soul. Despite modern advancements, there are only new sinners committing old sins. The seven deadly sins, including pride, avarice, envy, lust, anger, gluttony, and sloth, are like spiritual tumors that crush the soul. The only remedy for sin-saturated individuals is the forgiveness and cleansing offered by the Great Physician.
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.
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.
The Houseless Wanderer
By J.C. Philpot0PRO 13:4J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual wanderer's journey through the wilderness of life, where they experience houselessness and losing their way as the Spirit of God drives them out of worldly comforts and self-reliance. The wanderer's hunger and thirst for heavenly realities lead to their soul fainting, creating a deep need for God's intervention. Through cries of distress, the Lord delivers them, leading them in the right way of tribulation towards a heavenly city of habitation, where true rest and satisfaction are found in Christ alone.
Hindrances
By Harmon A. Baldwin0PRO 13:4MAT 7:7LUK 1:73JHN 17:201CO 10:12EPH 3:161TH 5:23HEB 10:36REV 3:20Harmon A. Baldwin preaches about the struggle experienced in seeking holiness, emphasizing the spiritual sloth and indifference that hinder individuals from pursuing the greatest boon granted by God. Signs of spiritual sloth include lack of interest in prayer, absence of desire for God's house, indifference towards the salvation of others, procrastination, and the temptation to wait for a more 'favorable' time. Baldwin encourages believers to overcome laziness, half-hearted seeking, and the enemy's deceptive suggestions by earnestly seeking holiness, resisting distractions, and holding themselves up against the clear light of heaven.
Letter 35
By James Bourne0GEN 46:3PSA 28:1PRO 13:4PHP 1:9JAS 4:7James Bourne shares a personal letter reflecting on his journey and struggles with scattered thoughts, distractions, and temptations, emphasizing the importance of committing one's way to the Lord and prevailing in prayer. Despite feeling disconnected and facing inner turmoil, he finds solace in God's mercy and experiences a profound moment of repentance and assurance of God's favor. Bourne encourages his cousin to remain diligent in spiritual growth, reminding them of God's presence and faithfulness even in unfamiliar and challenging circumstances.
Desiring but Not Progressing
By H.J. Vine0PSA 27:4PRO 13:4ISA 26:3PHP 4:62TI 1:9HEB 10:25H.J. Vine preaches about the unenviable state of soul of one who knows they are saved but lacks desire for prayer or fellowship with other believers, resulting in spiritual stagnation. This individual, despite receiving grace and salvation, neglects communion with God and fellow believers, failing to make progress in their faith. Vine emphasizes the importance of awakening to the neglect of God's love and guidance, redirecting desires towards Christ, and having a purposeful heart focused on seeking the Lord. He highlights the necessity of prayer, overcoming hindrances, valuing spiritual progress, and the joy found in serving the Lord.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The three proverbs (Pro 13:1-3) which refer to hearing and speaking are now following by a fourth which, like Pro 13:2 and Pro 13:3, speaks of the נפשׁ. The soul of the sluggard desires, yet has not; But the soul of the industrious is richly satisfied. The view that the o in נפשׁו עצל is the cholem compaginis, Bttcher, 835, meets with the right answer that this would be the only example of a vocal casus in the whole of gnomic poetry; but when on his own part (Neue Aehrenlese, 1305) he regards נפשׁו as the accus. of the nearer definition (= בּנפשׁו), he proceeds inadvertently on the view that the first word of the proverb is מתאוּה, while we read מתאוּה, and נפשׁו is thus the nom. of the subject. נפשׁו עצל means "his (the sluggard's) soul" (for עצל occurs as explanatory permutative briefly for נפשׁ עצל), as סעיפיה פּריּה means "its branches (i.e., of the fruitful tree)," Isa 17:6. One might, it is true, add ה to the following word here, as at Pro 14:13; but the similar expression appertaining to the syntax ornata occurs also Sa2 22:33; Psa 71:7, and elsewhere, where this is impracticable. Meri appropriately compares the scheme Exo 2:6, she saw him, viz., the boy. With reference to the ואין here violently (cf. Pro 28:1) introduced, Bttcher rightly remarks, that it is an adverb altogether like necquidquam, Pro 14:6; Pro 20:4, Psa 68:21, etc., thus: appetit necquidquam anima ejus, scilicet pigri. 4b shows the meaning of the desire that has not, for there תדשּׁן occurs, a favourite strong Mishle word (Pro 11:25; Pro 28:25, etc.) for abundant satisfaction (the lxx here, as at 28:25, ἐν ἐπιμελείᾳ, sc. ἔσονται, instead of which, Montfaucon supposed πιμελείᾳ, which is, however, a word not authenticated). The slothful wishes and dreams of prosperity and abundance (cf. Pro 21:25., a parallel which the Syr. has here in view), but his desire remains unsatisfied, since the object is not gained but only lost by doing nothing; the industrious gain, and that richly, what the slothful wishes for, but in vain.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing,.... He desires knowledge, but does not care to be at any pains to get it, and so has it not; he desires riches, but chooses not to make use of the means, to be diligent and industrious, and so he is without them; he desires to wear good clothes and rich raiment, but is unwilling to labour for them, and therefore is clothed with rags; he desires food, and plenty of it, but refuses to work for it; and he that will not work should not eat, and therefore he has it not, but starves and famishes: and, in spiritual things, the sluggard desires heaven and happiness, but does not care to do the duties of religion; he would die the death of the righteous, but is unwilling to live his life; to abstain from sin, and live soberly and righteously, is too hard service for him; he does not choose to do or suffer anything for the cause of Christ and true religion. Jarchi's note is, that "in the future state he shall see the glory of the wise man, and desire it; but shall not attain to it;'' but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat; become rich; increase in temporal things, and have great plenty and prosperity; and so, in spiritual matters, such who are diligent in the use of means, constantly attend on the word and ordinances, and labour for the meat which endures to everlasting life; such are filled and satisfied, as with marrow and fatness; and become fat and flourishing, and fruitful in every good word and work; and shall at last arrive to that state where there will be no more hunger and thirst.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The misery and shame of the slothful. See how foolish and absurd they are; they desire the gains which the diligent get, but they hate the pains which the diligent take; they covet every thing that is to be coveted, but will do nothing that is to be done; and therefore it follows, They have nothing; for he that will not labour let him hunger, and let him not eat, Th2 3:10. The desire of the slothful, which should be his excitement, is his torment, which should make him busy, makes him always uneasy, and is really a greater toil to him than labour would be. 2. The happiness and honour of the diligent: Their soul shall be made fat; they shall have abundance, and shall have the comfortable enjoyment of it, and the more for its being the fruit of their diligence. This is especially true in spiritual affairs. Those that rest in idle wishes know not what the advantages of religion are; whereas those that take pains in the service of God find both the pleasure and profit of it.