Proverbs 20:13 - Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.

Generated Verse: Proverbs 20:13

What does "Proverbs 20:13" mean?


Proverbs 20:13 is a proverb offering practical wisdom about the dangers of laziness and the rewards of hard work. Let's break it down:

"Don't love sleep, lest you come to poverty": This part warns against excessive sleeping or laziness. The idea is that if you prioritize sleep over work or responsibility, you will likely become poor because you are not being productive. The word "love" emphasizes a strong attachment or preference for sleep, implying a lack of motivation for other activities.

"Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread": This part contrasts with the first, highlighting the benefits of diligence and wakefulness. "Opening your eyes" symbolizes alertness, attentiveness, and being proactive. It suggests that if you are alert, work hard, and seize opportunities, you will have enough to eat (be "satisfied with bread"). Bread is used here as a metaphor for basic necessities and provision. It signifies that hard work will lead to a life where your needs are met.

In essence, the verse is saying:

Being lazy and oversleeping leads to poverty.
Being diligent, alert, and hardworking leads to having enough to eat and a comfortable life.

Key takeaways:

Work ethic: It promotes a strong work ethic and encourages diligence.
Consequences: It highlights the consequences of laziness and the rewards of hard work.
Practical wisdom: It's a piece of practical advice aimed at achieving financial stability and a comfortable life.
Motivation: The verse serves as a motivational tool, urging people to overcome laziness and be productive.

The verse uses a simple and direct style to convey a timeless principle about the importance of hard work and avoiding laziness.

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