Proverbs 20:13
Proverbs 20:13 in Multiple Translations
Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Do not be a lover of sleep, or you will become poor: keep your eyes open, and you will have bread enough.
If you love sleeping you'll become poor. Wake up and get busy, and you'll have plenty to eat.
Loue not sleepe least thou come vnto pouertie: open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Love not sleep, lest thou become poor, Open thine eyes — be satisfied [with] bread.
Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thy eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Love not sleep, lest poverty oppress thee: open thy eyes, and be filled with bread.
If you want to sleep all the time, you will become poor; if you stay awake and work, you will have plenty of food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 20:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תֶּֽאֱהַ֣ב
שֵׁ֭נָה
פֶּן
תִּוָּרֵ֑שׁ
פְּקַ֖ח
עֵינֶ֣י/ךָ
שְֽׂבַֽע
לָֽחֶם
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֶּֽאֱהַ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
שֵׁ֭נָה
shênâh
H8142
sleep
N-fs
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תִּוָּרֵ֑שׁ
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
פְּקַ֖ח
pâqach
H6491
to open
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
עֵינֶ֣י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
שְֽׂבַֽע
sâbaʻ
H7646
to satisfy
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:13
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֶּֽאֱהַ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
שֵׁ֭נָה
shênâh
H8142
"sleep"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sleep or be asleep, like when God put Adam to sleep in Genesis 2:21. It is also used to describe a state of unconsciousness. This word is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: sleep Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "sleep" H8139)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: sleep. See also: Genesis 28:16; Proverbs 6:4; Psalms 76:6.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תִּוָּרֵ֑שׁ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
פְּקַ֖ח
pâqach
H6491
"to open"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to open, like opening your eyes or ears to something new. It can also mean being observant and aware of your surroundings. In the Bible, it is used to describe physical and spiritual awakening.
Definition: 1) to open (the eyes) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to open (the eyes) 1a2) to open (the ears) 1b) (Niphal) to be opened
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: open. See also: Genesis 3:5; Psalms 146:8; Proverbs 20:13.
עֵינֶ֣י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
שְֽׂבַֽע
sâbaʻ
H7646
"to satisfy"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To satisfy means to fill someone with enough of something, like food or desire, and can also mean to have too much of something.
Definition: 1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be sated (with food) 1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied) 1a3) to have in excess, be surfeited, be surfeited with 1a3a) to be weary of (fig) 1b) (Piel) to satisfy 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to satisfy 1c2) to enrich 1c3) to sate, glut (with the undesired)
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of. See also: Exodus 16:8; Proverbs 12:11; Psalms 17:14.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:13
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:13
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
11Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright.
12Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.
13Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
14“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats. 15There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:11 | Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:15 | Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:4 | Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:11 | The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment. |
| 5 | Romans 13:11 | And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. |
| 6 | Proverbs 6:9–11 | How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 7 | Proverbs 13:4 | The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. |
| 8 | 2 Thessalonians 3:10 | For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” |
| 9 | Jonah 1:6 | The captain approached him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call upon your God. Perhaps this God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” |
| 10 | Ephesians 5:14 | So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” |
Proverbs 20:13 Summary
This verse is warning us against being lazy and sleeping too much, because it can lead to poverty and lack. Instead, we should be diligent and aware of the opportunities and responsibilities around us, trusting God to provide for us. As we see in other scriptures like Proverbs 10:4-5 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10, hard work and faithfulness are important for living a successful and abundant life. By trusting in God and being diligent, we can have plenty of food and provision, as promised in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'love sleep' in Proverbs 20:13?
Loving sleep in Proverbs 20:13 means to indulge in excessive sleep or laziness, which can lead to poverty, as seen in the consequences mentioned in the verse, and is also warned against in other scriptures like Proverbs 6:9-11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
How does opening our eyes relate to having plenty of food?
Opening our eyes in Proverbs 20:13 is a metaphor for being diligent and aware of the opportunities and responsibilities around us, which can lead to provision and abundance, as also taught in Proverbs 10:4-5 and Matthew 25:14-30.
Is this verse saying that sleep is bad or that we should never sleep?
No, this verse is not saying that sleep is inherently bad, but rather warning against excessive sleep or laziness, as we see in Psalm 127:2 and Ecclesiastes 5:12, where sleep is a natural part of life, but excess can lead to negative consequences.
What role does God play in our diligence and provision?
According to scriptures like Proverbs 12:24 and Deuteronomy 8:18, God plays a significant role in our diligence and provision, and our faithfulness and trust in Him are essential for true success and abundance, as also seen in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:19.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I indulging in excessive sleep or laziness, and how can I become more diligent?
- How can I practically 'open my eyes' to the opportunities and responsibilities around me, and trust God for provision?
- What are some ways I can balance rest and work in my life, according to biblical principles like Psalm 127:2 and Exodus 20:9-10?
- What does this verse teach me about the relationship between my actions and my circumstances, and how can I apply this to my life?
- How can I cultivate a heart of trust and faith in God's provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:19?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty,.... Sleep is a very great natural blessing; it is a gift of God, what nature requires, and is desirable; it is to be loved, though not immoderately; it is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. Love not sleep.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, i.e. immoderate sleep, or sloth, or idleness. Take sleep because necessity requires it, not from any love to it. Open thine eyes; awake out of sleep, shake off sloth, and betake thyself to thy employment with diligence and rigour.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.Ver. 13. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty.] In sleep there is no use either of sight or hearing, or any other sense. And as little is there of the spiritual senses in the sleep of sin. It fared with the good prophet as with a drowsy person, who though awake and set to work, yet was ready to sleep at it; and Peter, James, and John, if the spirit hold not up their eyes, may be in danger to fall asleep at their prayers, and so fall into spiritual poverty: for if prayer stands still, the whole trade of godliness stands still. And a powerless prayer, proceeding from a spirit of sloth, joined with presumption, makes the best men liable to punishment for profaning God’ s name, so that he may justly let them fall into some sin, which shall awaken them with smart enough.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
(13) Open thine eyes.—Be up and stirring.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
Verse 13. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty] Sleep, indescribable in its nature, is an indescribable blessing; but how often is it turned into a curse! It is like food; a certain measure of it restores and invigorates exhausted nature; more than that oppresses and destroys life. A lover of sleep is a paltry, insignificant character.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:13
13. Comp. Proverbs 6:9-11; Proverbs 19:15.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:13
Open thine eyes - Be vigilant and active. That is the secret of prosperity.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:13
13. Love not sleep — Love it not for itself — its ease and indulgence — but use it only for the refreshment of nature. Open thine eyes — Be wide awake and diligent. Thou shalt be satisfied — Literally, be satisfied.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Step 20 on Bodily Vigil and How to Use It to Attain Spiritual Vigil and How to Practise It. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus emphasizes the importance of vigilance and prayer in the life of a monk, highlighting the various ways monks stand before God in prayer, with each offering valued |
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The Maturity of a Spiritual Leader by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having someone behind us pouring on oil to keep us moving and generating power in our leadership positions. He encourages l |
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Take Heed to Yourself by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, Billy Graham reflects on the life of a man who dedicated himself to one thing rather than dabbling in many things. He emphasizes the importance of finding the one t |
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Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate for God's glory. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness o |
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A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of anguish in the church and in individual believers' lives, highlighting the need for deep sorrow and distress over the spiritual condition o |
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(God and Man) Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in our faith. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness of t |
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The Movements Between World Wars by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon recounts historical revivals and movements of God in various countries, highlighting the impact of prayer, powerful preaching, and the work of true Christians in bringi |