Proverbs 12:11 Meaning and Explanation
“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Honest labor yields sustenance; pursuing empty pursuits leaves one without provision or wisdom.
The Context of Proverbs 12:11
Productive work versus worthless pursuits contrasts both in material outcome and in wisdom gained.
What Does Proverbs 12:11 Mean?
The person who tills his land—works steadily at productive labor—shall be satisfied with bread. This reflects the reliable principle that honest work yields real provision and security. Agricultural work becomes the paradigm for any honest effort that transforms effort into benefit and satisfaction.
The one who follows vain persons abandons real work for empty pursuits and worthless companions. This leaves him without understanding because he never develops the practical wisdom that comes from genuine labor. Following vanity isolates one from both provision and the learning that comes through work.
Proverbs 12:11 in the Original Language
Vain (hebel in Hebrew context) means empty, without substance or lasting value—the opposite of fruit-bearing work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 12:11
What does Proverbs 12:11 mean?
Honest labor yields sustenance; pursuing empty pursuits leaves one without provision or wisdom.
What is the context of Proverbs 12:11?
Productive work versus worthless pursuits contrasts both in material outcome and in wisdom gained.