Proverbs 24:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,

NIV: I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;

NASB: I passed by the field of a lazy one, And by the vineyard of a person lacking sense,

CSB: I went by the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of one lacking sense.

NLT: I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense.

KJV: I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

NKJV: I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;

Some kings isolated themselves from the people and rarely left their palaces. That, apparently, was not the case with Solomon. He took at least some trips to view the outside world. More likely, given his reputation as a wise judge, he was more of an on-site manager of the kingdom.

What is seen here was not the purpose of Solomon's visit. Nor was it the reason he traveled. He did not leave the palace to see this; it was something seen in passing. What he sees is evidence of a lazy, inept manager (Proverbs 24:31–34). The condition of the field makes it plain that it's not merely struggling. The owner is not facing some hardship; the property shows evidence that it's being neglected.

The term "sluggard" translates a word used to describe those who put forth no effort (Proverbs 6:6, 9; 19:24; 20:4). This is the person who knows what should be done, but finds excuses not to do it. The word "fool" is used often in the Book of Proverbs, usually to describe those who ignore godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). It can also identify someone with no common sense. Laziness is condemned in the Bible. The apostle Paul drew a clear line between those who are prevented from work—such as by illness, injury, or disability—and those who choose not to work. He wrote: "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Proverbs 24:23–34 comes after a list of thirty wise teachings; these were recorded by Solomon while not necessarily being his own ideas. The wisdom which concludes this chapter is cited with less clarity, other than being attributed to wise speakers. These address discrimination, rebuke of the wicked, honesty, wise planning, revenge, and the consequences of laziness.

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

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.