Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
First, prepare your work outside and get your fields ready for planting; then after that, build your house.
The writer is teaching that we should establish our livelihood and income before focusing on building our home and personal comforts.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, most people lived in an agrarian society where preparing fields for planting was crucial for survival and prosperity before turning to personal projects like building a home. This proverb from the Book of Proverbs, attributed to King Solomon, offers practical wisdom drawn from everyday life experiences to guide people in making wise decisions. It reflects the cultural emphasis on foresight and hard work in a time when economic stability depended heavily on agricultural success.
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