Proverbs 20:13 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 20:13 mean?

Proverbs 20:13 warns against loving sleep too much, saying that it can lead to poverty, but encourages alertness and diligence as the way to have enough to eat. The verse uses the image of opening your eyes as a call to wakefulness and effort, promising that this will lead to being satisfied with bread.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings attributed to King Solomon, meant to guide everyday people in practical living. The advice is not just about sleep itself, but about avoiding laziness and choosing steady work and attentiveness. The verse uses simple, everyday language—sleep, eyes, bread—to make its point clear to anyone listening.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 20:13

• The word for "love" is אָהַב (’ahav), which here means to have a strong affection or desire for something. The proverb is not saying sleep is bad, but warns against being overly attached to it.
• "Sleep" is שֵׁנָה (shenah), referring to literal sleep or rest. In this context, it stands for laziness or neglecting responsibilities.
• "Poverty" is רֵאשׁ (resh), which means a lack or being in need. The warning is that too much sleep can lead to real material need.
• "Open" is פָּקַח (paqach), meaning to open up or become alert. The verse uses it to urge the reader to wake up and be active.
• "Eyes" is עַיִן (ayin), which in Hebrew often represents awareness or attention, not just physical sight.
• "Satisfied" is שָׂבַע (sava), meaning to be filled or have enough, especially with food.
• "Bread" is לֶחֶם (lechem), which stands for food in general, not just bread itself.

Why Proverbs 20:13 matters

• Proverbs 20:13 clears up the idea that rest is always good by showing that too much of it can be harmful, especially if it leads to neglecting daily work.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of alertness and steady effort, connecting practical habits with real-life results like having enough to eat.
• This proverb fits into a larger theme in Proverbs about the dangers of laziness and the value of diligence, helping readers see the everyday impact of their choices.