KJV ORIGINAL
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Someone who works hard on their farm will have plenty of food to eat, but someone who hangs around with worthless people will end up poor.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse teaches that hard work leads to abundance, while wasting time with foolish people leads to poverty.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, most people were farmers who depended on cultivating their land for survival. The contrast between the diligent farmer and those who chase after 'vain persons' (idle, worthless people) would have been a familiar sight in Solomon's time. This proverb reflects the agricultural society where consistent work meant the difference between prosperity and starvation.
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