The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

PROVERBS 21:5KJV
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Proverbs 21:5 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 21:5 mean?

Proverbs 21:5 says that careful planning and steady effort lead to abundance, while rushing into things without thought leads to lack. The verse contrasts the results of diligence with the consequences of acting hastily.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking practical wisdom for everyday life. The verse uses everyday language about work and planning to highlight a basic principle: thoughtful, persistent effort usually brings good results, but impatience and impulsiveness often cause problems or loss.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 21:5

  • "thoughts" (מַחֲשָׁבוֹת, machashavot): This word refers to plans, intentions, or careful thinking, not just fleeting ideas. The verse emphasizes the value of considered, deliberate planning.
  • "diligent" (חָרוּץ, charutz): This word means someone who is determined, hardworking, and persistent. It is not just about working hard, but about being steady and reliable in effort.
  • "plenteousness" (מוֹתָר, motar): This word means abundance or surplus, suggesting more than just getting by—there is extra as a result of diligence.
  • "hasty" (אָץ, atz): This describes someone who rushes or acts impulsively, without proper thought or planning.
  • "want" (מַחְסוֹר, machsor): This means lack or need, pointing to the negative outcome of acting too quickly or carelessly.

Why Proverbs 21:5 matters

  • Proverbs 21:5 corrects the common idea that quick action always leads to success, showing that real gain usually comes from steady, thoughtful work.
  • The verse highlights that both planning and follow-through are important; it is not just about having good intentions, but about being diligent in carrying them out.
  • This proverb fits into the larger theme of Proverbs, which often contrasts wisdom and folly by showing the practical results of each approach to life.

Where else these words appear

“plenteousness” Hebrew H4195 · used in 3 verses

  • Proverbs 14:23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

“hasty” Hebrew H213 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
  • Joshua 17:15 And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.
  • Proverbs 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

“want” Hebrew H4270 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 15:8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
  • Psalms 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
  • Proverbs 21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

“diligent” Hebrew H2742 · used in 17 verses

  • Job 41:30 Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire.
  • Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
  • Isaiah 28:27 For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod.