King James Version

What Does Proverbs 10:5 Mean?

Proverbs 10:5 in the King James Version says “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.”

Proverbs 10:5 · KJV

Context

3

The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. the substance: or, the wicked for their wickedness

4

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5

He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

6

Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7

The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Agricultural Wisdom: This proverb uses farming imagery to contrast wisdom and folly. The Hebrew אֹגֵר בַּקַּיִץ (oger baqqayits, "gathers in summer") describes someone who works during the optimal harvest season, while נִרְדָּם בַּקָּצִיר (nirdam baqqatsir, "sleeps in harvest") depicts negligence at the crucial moment. Seasonal Urgency: In ancient Israel's agricultural economy, missing the harvest window meant disaster. Summer was the brief period for gathering grain before autumn rains; harvest required intense, immediate labor.

The contrast is not just between work and laziness but between wise timing and foolish neglect of opportunity. Family Honor: The phrase "a son that causeth shame" (Hebrew בֵּן מֵבִישׁ, ben mevish) indicates that individual folly affects the whole family. Wisdom Literature Pattern: Proverbs 10-15 contains primarily antithetical parallelism, where the second line contrasts with the first. This literary structure reinforces moral choices: wisdom vs. folly, diligence vs. sloth, honor vs. shame.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israelite Agriculture: The agricultural calendar was central to Israelite life and religious observance. Barley harvest began in April-May, wheat harvest followed in May-June, and summer fruits (grapes, figs, olives) were gathered June-September. Missing these critical harvest periods meant a year of hunger.

Wisdom Literature Context: Proverbs reflects Solomon's era (10th century BC) when Israel experienced prosperity and international trade. The book's practical wisdom addressed urban and rural life, with many proverbs using agricultural imagery familiar to all social classes. The emphasis on diligence and wise timing reflects values essential for survival in an agrarian economy, while teaching broader principles applicable to all of life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the agricultural imagery of gathering in summer versus sleeping in harvest apply to spiritual opportunities and responsibilities?
  2. What does this proverb teach about the relationship between wisdom, timing, and diligence?
  3. Why does individual folly (sleeping during harvest) bring shame upon the whole family rather than just the individual?
  4. How can believers discern their "harvest seasons"—times of critical opportunity requiring immediate action?
  5. What modern applications of this proverb exist beyond agricultural contexts (education, career, spiritual growth)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֹגֵ֣ר1 of 8

“He that gathereth”

H103

to harvest

בַּ֭קַּיִץ2 of 8

“in summer”

H7019

harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season

בֵּ֣ן3 of 8

“is a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מַשְׂכִּ֑יל4 of 8

“is a wise”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

נִרְדָּ֥ם5 of 8

“but he that sleepeth”

H7290

to stun, i.e., stupefy (with sleep or death)

בַּ֝קָּצִ֗יר6 of 8

“in harvest”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

בֵּ֣ן7 of 8

“is a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵבִֽישׁ׃8 of 8

“that causeth shame”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 10:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 10:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 6:8Proverbs 30:25Proverbs 17:2Isaiah 55:6-7Proverbs 19:26Proverbs 6:6

Test Your Knowledge

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