Bible Strands
Proverbs 24:30
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom teacher addresses a listener in a moment of practical instruction, positioned between a warning against revenge and a description of a neglected field's decay. The speaker directs attention to a specific observed site to ground the lesson in physical reality.
The words — The Hebrew ‘a.Tzel (עָצֵל) literally denotes a "lazy" person, identifying the field's owner by his inactivity. The term ‘a.Dam (אָדָם) translates to "a person" or "man," highlighting the owner's absence of discernment rather than a specific social rank.
The thread — The pattern of neglect yielding ruin appears in Proverbs 12:11 on chasing fantasies, Proverbs 6:6's command to learn from the ant, and Job 4:8's observation that plowing iniquity produces trouble. These passages trace a consistent scriptural link between inaction and subsequent decay.
Why it lands — The text states that unattended property develops thorns, thistles, and broken walls, demanding recognition that passivity produces tangible ruin. It requires the reader to apply immediate diligence to personal responsibilities rather than deferring maintenance.
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
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
Cross-references
- Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.
- Proverbs 6:6 Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.
- Job 4:8 As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same.
- Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment.
- Psalms 37:25 I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.
- Proverbs 6:32 He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.
- Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
- Ecclesiastes 4:1 Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter.
- Job 5:27 Indeed, we have investigated, and it is true! So hear it and know for yourself.”
- Job 15:17 Listen to me and I will inform you. I will describe what I have seen,