He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

PROVERBS 10:5KJV
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Proverbs 10:5 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:5 mean?

Proverbs 10:5 describes how a wise person takes advantage of the right time to work and prepare, while a careless person misses important opportunities and brings embarrassment to themselves or their family. The verse uses the image of gathering crops in summer versus sleeping during harvest to highlight the difference between wisdom and foolishness.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed at young people or anyone seeking practical guidance. The verse uses everyday farming life to teach about responsibility: summer and harvest are key times for gathering food, so missing them means missing out on what is needed for the future. The focus is on the importance of acting at the right moment and how failing to do so affects not just the individual, but also those connected to them.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:5

  • "gathereth" (אָסַף, 'asaf, H103) means to collect or bring in, especially crops. The word suggests active effort and planning, not just waiting for things to happen.
  • "summer" (קַיִץ, qayits, H7019) refers to the dry, hot season in Israel when fruit ripens and must be picked. This word points to a specific, limited window of opportunity.
  • "wise" (שָׂכַל, sakhal, H7919) describes someone who acts with understanding and skill, not just knowledge. The verse connects wisdom to practical action, not just good intentions.
  • "sleepeth" (יָשַׁן, yashan, H7290) here means to be idle or inattentive, not just physically asleep. The word emphasizes neglect or laziness at a crucial time.
  • "shame" (בּוּשׁ, bosh, H954) is about causing disgrace or embarrassment, especially in a family or community setting. The verse highlights that failing to act responsibly affects others' reputation as well.

Why Proverbs 10:5 matters

  • Proverbs 10:5 clears up the idea that wisdom is only about what you know; here, wisdom is shown in timely, diligent action.
  • The verse emphasizes that missed opportunities can have lasting consequences, not just for the individual but for their family or community.
  • This proverb fits into a larger section contrasting wise and foolish living, showing that everyday choices—like when to work—reflect deeper character.

Where else these words appear

“gathereth” Hebrew H103 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:39 Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them.
  • Proverbs 6:8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

“sleepeth” Hebrew H7290 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 4:21 Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.
  • Daniel 8:18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.
  • Jonah 1:5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

“summer” Hebrew H7019 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
  • Proverbs 26:1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
  • Jeremiah 40:12 Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.

“harvest” Hebrew H7105 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
  • 1 Samuel 6:13 And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
  • Isaiah 16:9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.