Proverbs 6:11
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
Original Language Analysis
כִמְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
as one that travelleth
H1980
כִמְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
as one that travelleth
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Proverbs 13:4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.Proverbs 20:4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.Proverbs 10:4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.Proverbs 24:34So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Historical Context
Ancient economy lacked modern safety nets - no unemployment insurance, welfare, or social security. Laziness produced genuine destitution. While we should compassionately help the poor (many poor through no fault of their own), Proverbs here addresses preventable poverty resulting from laziness. Paul echoes this: 'If any would not work, neither should he eat' (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Questions for Reflection
- What poverty (financial, relational, spiritual) is approaching due to present neglect?
- How can you recognize decline before crisis forces change?
- What immediate action would alter your trajectory from approaching want?
Analysis & Commentary
Poverty comes as a traveler and want as an armed man - the consequences of sloth arrive inevitably and forcefully. The Hebrew 'mehalak' (traveler/wayfarer) suggests steady approach, while 'magen' (armed man/warrior) indicates forceful arrival. Poverty doesn't come violently but arrives inexorably. The fool doesn't see it coming because decline is gradual. When recognized, it's too late - poverty arrives with warrior's force, difficult to resist.