Proverbs 20:4

A slow man would not ear for cold; therefore he shall beg in summer, and men shall not give to him. (A lazy person will not plow when it is cold; then at harvest time he shall beg, but others shall not give him anything.)

Wycliffe Modern Spelling

In The King James Version

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

In Context

3It is honour to a man that separateth himself from strivings; but fond men be meddled with despisings. (It is honourable for someone to separate himself from strife, or from arguments; but the foolish shall mix, or mingle, themselves in with arguments.)

5As deep water, so counsel is in the heart of a man; but a wise man shall draw it out. (Advice in a person’s heart (can be) like deep water or (can be) as deep as the water; but a wise person shall draw it out.)

Read all of Proverbs 20

Cross References

Proverbs 10:4A slow hand hath wrought neediness; but the hand of strong men maketh ready riches. Forsooth he that enforceth to get anything by leasings, feedeth the winds; soothly the same man followeth birds flying. (Lazy hands create neediness; but strong hands create riches. He who endeavoureth to get anything by lying, feedeth the wind; yea, that person runneth after birds in flight.)

Proverbs 19:15Sloth bringeth in sleep; and a negligent soul shall have hunger.

Proverbs 21:25Desires slay a slow man; for his hands would not (do) work (of) anything. (Desires shall slay a lazy person; for his hands shall not do any work.)

Proverbs 26:13A slow man saith, A lion is in the way, a lioness is in the footpaths. (A lazy person saith, A lion is there on the way, a lioness is there on the footpaths!)

Matthew 25:3But the five fools took their lamps, and took not oil with them;

2 Peter 1:5And bring ye in all busyness, and minister in your faith (with) virtue, and in virtue cunning, (or knowing), [or science], (or and with virtue knowledge);

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 20:4

3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. This is designed to rectify men's mistakes concerning strife. 1. Men think it is their wisdom to engage in quarrels; whereas it is the greatest folly that can be. He thinks himself a wise man that is quick in resenting affronts, that stands upon every nicety of honour and right, and will not abate an ace of either, that prescribes, and imposes, and gives law, to every body; but he that thus meddles is a fool, and creates a great… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Proverbs 20:4