KJV ORIGINAL
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
So your poverty will come upon you like a traveling robber, and your need will attack you like an armed bandit.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse warns that laziness will lead to sudden and overwhelming financial hardship that catches you off guard.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb is part of a larger passage (verses 6-11) warning against laziness, using the ant as an example of diligence. In ancient times, travelers and armed men were common threats who could suddenly appear and take everything from unsuspecting victims. Solomon uses this imagery to show how quickly and completely poverty can strike those who refuse to work.
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