Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
תִּוָּרֵ֑שׁ
lest thou come to poverty
H3423
תִּוָּרֵ֑שׁ
lest thou come to poverty
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
5 of 9
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
פְּקַ֖ח
open
H6491
פְּקַ֖ח
open
Strong's:
H6491
Word #:
6 of 9
to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant
עֵינֶ֣יךָ
thine eyes
H5869
עֵינֶ֣יךָ
thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Proverbs 19:15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.Romans 12:11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;Proverbs 10:4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.Proverbs 12:11He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.Proverbs 13:4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.Romans 13:11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.2 Thessalonians 3:10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.Jonah 1:6So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.1 Corinthians 15:34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Historical Context
Agrarian life required early rising and sustained labor during growing seasons. Those who indulged in excessive sleep missed critical planting or harvest opportunities, leading to starvation.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you disciplined in your sleep and work habits, or do you indulge in excessive rest?
- How can you redeem your time to serve God and provide for your responsibilities?
Analysis & Commentary
The contrast between loving sleep and loving diligence determines economic outcomes. 'Love not sleep' doesn't forbid necessary rest but warns against slothful indulgence. Excessive sleep leads to poverty; diligent wakefulness brings abundance—'satisfied with bread.' This reflects God's creational design where work produces provision. The sluggard's love of comfort becomes idolatry, while the diligent worker honors God through faithful stewardship of time and energy. The New Testament echoes this: 'if any would not work, neither should he eat' (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Hard work is not optional but a divine calling and means of supporting oneself, family, and ministry.