Proverbs 21:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

NIV: The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

NASB: The plans of the diligent certainly lead to advantage, But everyone who is in a hurry certainly comes to poverty.

CSB: The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.

NLT: Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

KJV: The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

NKJV: The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

This verse contrasts carefully prepared work with last-minute decisions and sloppy choices. Those who think before they act, and who think well, tend to see better results than those who act on impulse or at the last moment. As a proverb, this is meant as a general statement, not an absolute guarantee. Attentive people can suffer loss, and careless people can stumble into success. Common sense, however, supports the idea that being lazy or negligent in planning typically leads to disaster (Proverbs 10:4; 12:23; 18:9).

Jesus references the difference between careful thought and senseless impulse when speaking of what it meant to become His follower. He asked: "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28). Starting to build without planning might lead to ridicule if the builder only had enough funds for the foundation (Luke 14:29–30). Jesus also referred to a king who considers whether his soldiers can defeat a force twice their size. Usually, a wise ruler would negotiate for peace (Luke 14:31–32).

Even when it comes to responding to Jesus' call to discipleship, a purely emotional reaction is unlikely to lead to anything but failure. Diligent thought about the cost of discipleship, leading a person to respond positively to Jesus' call, is far more likely to lead to loyalty and growth.

Proverbs 21:1–16 continues Solomon's wise observations (Proverbs 10:1) by acknowledging the Lord's control of kings. He also mentions what the Lord despises: pride, love of money, violence, the conduct of the wicked, the withholding of charity, bribery, and apostasy. On the other hand, he commends righteousness and justice, pure conduct, wise acceptance of instruction, and charity.

This chapter begins and ends with a declaration of God's sovereignty. He alone judges the heart; the Lord considers intentions just as important as physical actions. Other comments include statements about unpleasant spouses, proper perspectives on wealth, work ethic, and the essential nature of godly wisdom. Human wisdom is no match for the sovereign Lord, who alone is ultimately responsible for victory in battle.

This is part of the second major section of the book (Proverbs 10—22) featuring nearly four hundred statements. Most of these are two-line comments presenting common sense and general wisdom. The vague theme of chapter 21 is God's control. Man may believe he is in control of his circumstances, but God superintends everything. The chapter begins and ends by assuring the readers that God holds ultimate sway over all things.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.