Bible Strands
Proverbs 28:19
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The verse appears in a block of wisdom sayings contrasting faithful conduct with reckless behavior, framed by 28:18 on integrity and 28:20 on greed. It addresses a general audience with practical instruction rather than a specific historical moment.
The words — עֹבֵד ('o.Ved) = [one who] tills and רֵקִים (re.Kim) = empty [things] anchor the verse's core contrast between tangible labor and hollow pursuit.
The thread — The same agricultural versus fantasy contrast appears in Proverbs 12:11, while the danger of chasing empty gain is illustrated in Judges 9:4 through Abimelech's use of temple silver to hire worthless men.
Why it lands — The text demands choosing steady work over illusion, stating plainly that diligence produces sustenance while chasing fantasies guarantees lack.
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
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.
- Judges 9:4 So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him.
- Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
- Proverbs 27:23 Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;
- Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox.
- Proverbs 23:20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.
- Luke 15:12 The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.