King James Version

What Does Proverbs 24:30 Mean?

“I went by the field of the slothful , and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;”

Context

Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

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

And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Then I saw, and considered it well : I looked upon it, and received instruction. considered: Heb. set my heart

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **I went by the field of the slothful **. . .—The parable of the vineyard let out to husbandmen for them to render the fruits in due season (Matthew 21:33), and of the thorns which choked the word (*ibid., *Proverbs 13:7), suggest a spiritual meaning for this passage. It warns us not to allow the weeds of evil habits to spring up in the garden of the soul through sloth, nor to suffer God’s protecting care (the wall) to be withdrawn from us because we have not sought it constantly in prayer.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 24:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.