Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 21:5 in Multiple Translations
The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty hasteth only to want.
The purposes of the man of industry have their outcome only in wealth; but one who is over-quick in acting will only come to be in need.
Those who plan ahead and work hard will have plenty, while those who act rashly end up poor.
The thoughtes of the diligent doe surely bring abundance: but whosoeuer is hastie, commeth surely to pouertie.
The purposes of the diligent [are] only to advantage, And of every hasty one, only to want.
The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
The thoughts of the industrious always bring forth abundance: but every sluggard is always in want.
People who plan carefully will surely have plenty of what they need; those who act too quickly to become rich will become poor.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:5
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 21:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
חָ֭רוּץ
אַךְ
לְ/מוֹתָ֑ר
וְ/כָל
אָ֝֗ץ
אַךְ
לְ/מַחְסֽוֹר
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp
חָ֭רוּץ
chărûwts
H2742
sharp
Adj
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
לְ/מוֹתָ֑ר
môwthâr
H4195
advantage
Prep | N-ms
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אָ֝֗ץ
ʼûwts
H213
to hasten
V-Qal
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
לְ/מַחְסֽוֹר
machçôwr
H4270
need
Prep | N-ms
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 21:5
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
חָ֭רוּץ
chărûwts
H2742
"sharp"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word for gold also means something sharp or dug, like a trench. It appears in poetic passages, describing valuable or precious things. In some cases, it refers to determination or eagerness.
Definition: adj sharp-pointed, sharp, diligent
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: decision, diligent, (fine) gold, pointed things, sharp, threshing instrument, wall. See also: Job 41:22; Proverbs 13:4; Psalms 68:14.
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
לְ/מוֹתָ֑ר
môwthâr
H4195
"advantage"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means advantage or superiority, and is used in books like Proverbs and Isaiah. It can refer to having more than enough, or being better than others. In the Bible, this concept is often associated with wisdom and humility.
Definition: 1) pre-eminence, abundance, profit, superiority 1a) abundance, plenty 1b) pre-eminence, superiority
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: plenteousness, preeminence, profit. See also: Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 21:5; Ecclesiastes 3:19.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אָ֝֗ץ
ʼûwts
H213
"to hasten"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to hurry or make haste, often used to describe urgency or pressure. It appears in various forms, such as in Psalm 38:22, where David asks God to hasten and help him. The word conveys a sense of urgency or being pressed for time.
Definition: 1) to press, be pressed, make haste, urge, be narrow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to press, hasten 1a2) to be pressed, confined, narrow 1a3) to hasten, make haste 1a4) be narrow 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to urge, insist 1b2) to hasten
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n, -y), labor, be narrow. See also: Genesis 19:15; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 19:2.
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
לְ/מַחְסֽוֹר
machçôwr
H4270
"need"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes a lack or shortage of something, like a need for food or money. It is used in the Bible to describe poverty and want. In Deuteronomy 15:8, God commands the Israelites to lend to those in need.
Definition: 1) need, poverty, thing needed 1a) need, thing needed 1b) lack, want 1c) need, poverty
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want. See also: Deuteronomy 15:8; Proverbs 11:24; Psalms 34:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:5
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:5
Context — The King’s Heart
3To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the guides of the wicked—are sin.
5The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit. 7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:4 | Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:4 | The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:28 | 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. |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 | 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. |
| 5 | Proverbs 27:23–27 | Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation. When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grain from the hills is gathered, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you— food for your household and nourishment for your maidservants. |
| 6 | Proverbs 14:29 | A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:22 | A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. |
| 8 | Proverbs 20:21 | An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end. |
Proverbs 21:5 Summary
This verse means that when we make careful plans and work hard, we will have plenty, but when we rush into things without thinking, we will end up with nothing. It's like the difference between saving up for a big purchase and buying it on impulse - one approach leads to stability and the other to debt. As it says in Proverbs 10:4, diligent hands will be richly rewarded, and in Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to us. By being diligent and trusting in God, we can achieve our goals and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be diligent in Proverbs 21:5?
To be diligent means to be persistent and hardworking in our efforts, as seen in Proverbs 10:4, where it says that diligent hands will be richly rewarded.
How does haste lead to poverty in this verse?
Haste leads to poverty because it often involves impulsive decisions and a lack of planning, as warned in Proverbs 19:2, which says that desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever acts hastily will regret it.
Is this verse saying that wealth is the ultimate goal?
No, this verse is not saying that wealth is the ultimate goal, but rather that the plans of the diligent will bring plenty, which can be applied to many areas of life, including our spiritual walk, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
You can apply this verse to your everyday life by being intentional and thoughtful in your plans and decisions, and by trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to prosper us and give us hope and a future.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply diligence and planning to achieve my goals?
- How can I balance being diligent with trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?
- What are some ways that haste has led to negative consequences in my life, and how can I avoid those pitfalls in the future?
- How can I use the plenty that God brings into my life to bless and serve others, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:8-11?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness,.... A man that is thoughtful and studious, and wisely forms schemes in his mind, and diligently pursues them; the issue of it is, generally
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:5
The diligent, who carefully and industriously prosecutes what he hath wisely contrived and resolved. That is hasty; who manageth his affairs rashly, without due consideration. Only to want; is likely to bring himself to poverty.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.Ver. 5. The thoughts of the diligent tend only, &c.] The word rendered "diligent" signifies one that is sedulous and solicitous in his business; that weighs circumstances and waits opportunities; that "sits down first and counts his costs"; that considers seriously, and then executes speedily. Such a one was Abraham’ s servant, Joseph, Boaz, Daniel. And how should such a man choose but thrive? A sufficiency he is sure of, though not of a superfluity. But of every one that is hasty.] And headlong; that, resolving to be rich, graspeth greedily all he can come at - accounting all good fish that comes to hand, and not sticking at any injustice or cruelty that may make for his advantage. The beggar will catch this man ere long; - the usurer will get him into his clutches, and leave him never a feather to fly with. There is a curse upon such precipitate practices, though men be never so industrious, as in Jeboiakim, and Saul. Those that, making more haste than good speed to be rich, reach at things too high for them - which David would not do - may be likened to the panther, which loves the dung of man so much, as if it be hanged a height from it, it will skip and leap up, and never leave till it have burst itself in pieces to get it. Qui res omnes suas ordine facit loco et tempore, &c.
Cuius limitatae et velut iudicio decisae actiones omnes. - Mercer.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:5
(5) The thoughts of every one that is hasty tend only to want.—This proverb is met with on all sides: “More haste, worse speed”; “Festina lente”; “Eile mit Weile.”
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:5
5. but of every one] i.e. but the thoughts (supplied from the first clause) of every one. It is more literal, however, and at the same time avoids attributing “thoughts” to him whose fault is want of thought, to render with R.V. But every one that is hasty hasteth only to want.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:5
Here diligence is opposed, not to sloth but to haste. Undue hurry is as fatal to success as undue procrastination.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:5
5. Thoughts — Plans or purposes. Diligent — Or energetic. Hasty — Inconsiderate, rash, or in haste to be rich, catching eagerly at every seeming advantage, which often proves to be a disadvantage.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Debt and Being Surety by George Mueller | George Mueller emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's word in matters of financial responsibility, particularly regarding the dangers of becoming surety for others' debts. |
|
Living Large on Less by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the journey of realizing life as a stewardship before God, emphasizing the importance of understanding wealth in comparison to others, learning content |
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True Treasure by William MacDonald | In 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 ne |
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O Church Arise! by Tim Conway | In 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 |
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In 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 |
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God Will Not Bless the Lazy by Bakht Singh | Bakht 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 |
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Laziness Brings Poverty by Derek Prince | Derek 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 |