Proverbs 10:5
He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse doesn't just contrast hard work with laziness; it links action to wisdom and inaction to shame. The "son" isn't just a child, but anyone responsible for their own well-being, and "sleeping" here means a dangerous kind of indolence, not just rest.
This verse stands within the wisdom literature of Proverbs, presenting a sharp contrast between diligence and laziness, framed through the metaphor of agricultural seasons. It follows a series of proverbs that often contrast the righteous and the wicked, and sets the stage for more observations about wise conduct and its outcomes. The imagery of gathering in summer and sleeping during harvest highlights the critical importance of seizing timely opportunities.
Life isn't just about the good times; it's about what you do when opportunities knock.
This proverb uses the natural rhythm of farming to teach a powerful lesson about responsibility. "Gathering in summer" isn't just about bringing in crops; it represents seizing opportunities and doing the work required during the right time. This applies to everything – our studies, our work, our relationships, and especially our spiritual lives.
Conversely, "sleeping in harvest" paints a picture of laziness and missed chances. Harvest is the crucial time when the fruits of labor are gathered. To sleep then is to squander the season's bounty, leading to future hardship. It's a call to be present and active when it matters most.
Laziness doesn't just affect you; it casts a shadow on those around you.
The proverb starkly contrasts a "prudent son" with a "son who brings shame." A prudent son is one who acts wisely, wisely managing resources and responsibilities. This wisdom brings not only personal benefit but also honor to his family and upbringing. He secures his future and potentially supports others.
On the other hand, the son who sleeps in harvest "brings shame." This shame isn't just a fleeting embarrassment; it implies a deep-seated foolishness that leads to poverty, disgrace, and a burden on his parents or community. His actions (or lack thereof) reflect poorly on his training and character, causing him and others sorrow.
Understand the original words
arum · Hebrew Adjective
The quality of careful consideration, foresight, and sound judgment, especially in practical affairs, often associated with the ability to foresee consequences and act accordingly.
bosheth · Hebrew Noun
A state of disgrace or dishonor resulting from foolish, sinful, or lazy conduct; it stands in direct opposition to the honor of walking in God's wisdom.
This passage directly echoes the proverb's principle, stating that whatever a person sows, they will also reap, emphasizing the direct consequences of our actions or inactions.
Matthew 25:14-30The parable of the talents illustrates the same theme: those who diligently use what they've been given (gathering in their 'harvest') are rewarded, while those who are idle or neglectful (sleeping in harvest) face loss and shame.
Proverbs 6:6-8This section of Proverbs also uses an agricultural metaphor, highlighting the ant's diligence in gathering food during the summer as a model for wisdom, directly contrasting with the slothful behavior described in Proverbs 10:5.
Ecclesiastes 11:4This verse encourages action and seizing opportunities, warning against waiting for perfect conditions to act, which mirrors the proverb's call to gather during the appropriate season and not delay.
bensonProverbs 10:5: "He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame."
Proverbs 10:5 . He that gathereth — The fruits of his field; in summer — In harvest, as it follows, which is a part of summer; is a wise son — Acts a prudent and proper part: he acts wisely for his parents, whom, if need be, he ought to maintain, and he gains reputation to himself, his family, and education. But he that sleepeth in harvest causeth shame — Both to himself for…
pulpitProverbs 10:5: "He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame."
Verse 5. - He that gathereth the harvest into the barn at the right season. The idea of husbandry is continued from the preceding verse. Son is here equivalent to "man," the maxim being addressed to the young. That sleepeth; literally, that snoreth; Vulgate, qui stertit (Judges 4:21). A son that causeth shame. The phrase is found in Proverbs 17:2; Proverbs 19:26; Proverbs 29:…
This verse doesn't just contrast hard work with laziness; it links action to wisdom and inaction to shame. The "son" isn't just a child, but anyone responsible for their own well-being, and "sleeping" here means a dangerous kind of indolence, not just rest.
This verse stands within the wisdom literature of Proverbs, presenting a sharp contrast between diligence and laziness, framed through the metaphor of agricultural seasons. It follows a series of proverbs that often contrast the righteous and the wicked, and sets the stage for more observations about wise conduct and its outcomes. The imagery of gathering in summer and sleeping during harvest highlights the critical importance of seizing timely opportunities.
This verse stands within the wisdom literature of Proverbs, presenting a sharp contrast between diligence and laziness, framed through the metaphor of agricultural seasons. It follows a series of proverbs that often contrast the righteous and the wicked, and sets the stage for more observations about wise conduct and its outcomes. The imagery of gathering in summer and sleeping during harvest highlights the critical importance of seizing timely opportunities.
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"He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame." — This verse doesn't just contrast hard work with laziness; it links action to wisdom and inaction to shame. The "son" isn't just a child, but anyone responsible for their own well-being, and "sleeping…
