The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing,.... He desires knowledge, but does not care to be at any pains to get it, and so has it not; he desires riches, but chooses not to make use of the means, to be diligent and industrious, and so he is without them; he desires to wear good clothes and rich raiment, but is unwilling to labour for them, and therefore is clothed with rags; he desires food, and plenty of it, but refuses to work for it; and he that will not work should not eat, and therefore he has it not, but starves and famishes: and, in spiritual things, the sluggard desires heaven and happiness, but does not care to do the duties of religion; he would die the death of the righteous, but is unwilling to live his life; to abstain from sin, and live soberly and righteously, is too hard service for him; he does not choose to do or suffer anything for the cause of Christ and true religion.
Bible Commentary
Proverbs 13:4
Proverbs 13:4
John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain
The Daily Devotional
One devotional. Every morning.
The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.
We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.
Continue tomorrow
Turn Bible study into a daily habit
Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.
Recommended reading
More for Proverbs 13:4
Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.
Other commentaries
Proverbs 13 — OverviewProverbs 13 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleMoral Maxims.Proverbs 13 — OverviewProverbs 13 · Little Bible — for children and parentsProverbs 13 continues Solomon's collection of sharp, contrasting wisdom sayings. The chapter holds together a consistent theme: how we speak, work, and respond to correction shapes our whole life. The wise person…Proverbs 13:4Proverbs 13:4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere is, 1. The misery and shame of the slothful. See how foolish and
absurd they are; they desire the gains which the diligent get, but they
hate the pains which the diligent take; they covet every thing that is…Proverbs 13:4Proverbs 13:4 · Treasury of Scripture Knowledgedesireth: Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 12:11, Proverbs 12:24, Proverbs 26:13; Numbers 23:10
but: Proverbs 2:2-9, Proverbs 8:34; John 6:27; Hebrews 6:11; 2 Peter 1:5-11
made: Proverbs 11:25, Proverbs 28:25; Psalms 92:14;…Proverbs 13:4Proverbs 13:4 · Little Bible — for children and parentsDesire without action produces nothing. The sluggard's wants are real, but wanting without working cannot produce results. The diligent person, by contrast, sees their soul 'made fat' — a Hebrew picture of abundance,…
commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Split HouseThere is no such thing as a 'secular job' for a Christian. Your desk is your altar. Your work is your worship. Tear down the wall between Sunday and Monday.DiscipleDeckdevotion Altar at the OfficeStop dividing your life into "Holy" and "Secular." It is all His. Tomorrow morning, before you start your shift or open your laptop, pray this simple prayer: "Lord, I am clocking in for You today. Use my hands to build Your world." Turn your cubicle into a cathedral.DiscipledecksermonOn Family ReligionSermon 94 On Family Religion “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Josh. 24:15. 1. In the foregoing verses we read that Joshua, now grown old,...John Wesley