King James Version
What Does Proverbs 6:8 Mean?
“Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
Proverbs 6:8 · KJV
Context
6
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8
Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
9
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe ant provides food in summer and gathers in harvest - wisdom is seasonal appropriateness. The Hebrew 'kuwn' (prepare/establish) and 'agar' (gather) describe foresighted labor. What's gathered in abundance sustains through scarcity. This verse teaches that wisdom recognizes opportune timing - there are seasons for sowing, growing, harvesting, storing. Miss the season, miss the blessing. Laziness ignores God's temporal ordering of provision.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Agricultural calendars governed ancient life - fixed seasons for planting, tending, harvesting, storing. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 celebrates this temporal wisdom: 'To every thing there is a season.' Missing harvest meant famine. This agricultural reality became spiritual metaphor - recognize and respond to providential opportunities.
Reflection Questions
- What opportunities are currently 'in season' that require immediate response?
- How can you recognize God's timing rather than imposing your own schedule?
- What past 'harvests' did you miss by failing to act when opportunity was ripe?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsתָּכִ֣ין1 of 6
“Provideth”
H3559properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
בַּקַּ֣יִץ2 of 6
“in the summer”
H7019harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season
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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge