Proverbs 13:4 Meaning and Explanation
“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The sluggard desires but never achieves; the diligent enjoy abundance.
The Context of Proverbs 13:4
Contrasts the fruitlessness of laziness with the rewards of diligence.
What Does Proverbs 13:4 Mean?
Desire without effort produces nothing. The sluggard craves comfort, security, and success but refuses the work required to obtain them. Their soul remains empty because wishes and hopes, no matter how strong, cannot substitute for action and discipline.
The diligent, by contrast, are 'made fat'—filled with blessing, wealth, and satisfaction. Their labor produces real results. This is not about greed but about the fundamental truth that accomplishment requires sustained effort and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 13:4
What does Proverbs 13:4 mean?
The sluggard desires but never achieves; the diligent enjoy abundance.
What is the context of Proverbs 13:4?
Contrasts the fruitlessness of laziness with the rewards of diligence.