Proverbs 28:19 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 28:19 mean?

Proverbs 28:19 says that a person who works hard on their own land will have plenty to eat, but someone who chases after empty or foolish people will end up with nothing. The verse draws a contrast between steady effort and wasting time with people who do not offer anything of substance.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed at teaching practical wisdom to everyday people. The verse uses the example of farming to make a broader point about diligence and the company one keeps, highlighting the real-life consequences of both choices.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 28:19

• "Tilleth" (עָבַד, ʿāvad) means to work or serve, especially in the sense of cultivating land. The word emphasizes active, ongoing effort rather than a one-time action.
• "Vain" (רֵיק, rêq) refers to something empty, worthless, or lacking substance. Here, it describes people who are idle or lead others astray, not just those who are foolish.
• "Enough" (דֵּי, dēy) is used to mean "plenty" or "abundance," but in the second half of the verse, it is paired with poverty to stress that there will be more than enough lack or need for those who follow vain people.

Why Proverbs 28:19 matters

• This verse clarifies that prosperity is often tied to steady, honest work, not luck or shortcuts.
• The proverb warns that the people we choose to associate with can have a real impact on our well-being and future.
• In the wider context of Proverbs, this saying fits into a larger theme of wisdom versus folly, showing that practical choices shape a person's life.