Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
Original Language Analysis
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
The thoughts
H4284
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
The thoughts
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
1 of 8
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
חָ֭רוּץ
of the diligent
H2742
חָ֭רוּץ
of the diligent
Strong's:
H2742
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp tee
אַךְ
H389
לְמוֹתָ֑ר
tend only to plenteousness
H4195
לְמוֹתָ֑ר
tend only to plenteousness
Strong's:
H4195
Word #:
4 of 8
literally gain; figuratively, superiority
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אָ֝֗ץ
but of every one that is hasty
H213
אָ֝֗ץ
but of every one that is hasty
Strong's:
H213
Word #:
6 of 8
to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw
אַךְ
H389
Cross References
Proverbs 10:4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.Proverbs 13:4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.Proverbs 14:29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.Ephesians 4:28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.Proverbs 28:22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Historical Context
Agricultural life in ancient Israel required patient, diligent labor—planting, tending, waiting for harvest. Those who tried shortcuts (like mortgaging future harvests) often lost everything. This wisdom applied equally to commerce and craftsmanship.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you tempted to pursue hasty solutions rather than diligent, steady work?
- How does this proverb challenge modern culture's desire for instant gratification and quick success?
Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew 'charuts' (diligent) describes one who is decisive and determined, whose 'thoughts' (plans, calculations) lead to abundance ('motar'—profit, excess). In contrast, the 'hasty' (Hebrew 'ats'—pressed, urgent) rush to quick results and inevitably face want. This proverb emphasizes that prosperity comes through patient, steady work according to wisdom, not get-rich-quick schemes.