Bible Strands
Proverbs 12:27
A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The book of Proverbs delivers this instruction as foundational wisdom, addressing a general audience within a chapter that systematically contrasts righteous and wicked conduct.
The words — The Hebrew term רְמִיָּה (re.mi.Yah) denotes idleness, while יַחֲרֹךְ (ya.cha.Rokh) literally means he roasts, describing the lazy man’s failure to prepare his game. The phrase חָרֽוּץ (cha.Rutz) identifies the diligent man who treats his possession as precious.
The thread — This contrast between laziness and diligence appears in Proverbs 13:4 and Proverbs 26:15, while Proverbs 12:27 stands apart from Psalms 37:16, which contrasts the little of the righteous with the abundance of the wicked.
Why it lands — The text states that idleness leaves resources unprepared, while diligence leads to valuing what one has acquired. A reader must choose between the paralysis of sloth and the active stewardship that preserves provision.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 13:4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
- Proverbs 26:15 The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
- Psalms 37:16 Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.
- Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.
- Proverbs 16:8 Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.
- Proverbs 23:2 and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite.