He who gathers in summer is a wise sonThis phrase emphasizes the importance of diligence and foresight. In ancient agrarian societies, summer was the critical time for gathering crops. A wise son is one who understands the seasons and acts accordingly, ensuring that the family has enough provisions. This wisdom is not just practical but also moral, reflecting a heart aligned with God's principles of stewardship and responsibility. The concept of wisdom here is deeply rooted in the fear of the Lord, as seen throughout Proverbs (
Proverbs 1:7). The wise son can be seen as a type of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled His mission on earth, gathering His people and preparing them for the kingdom of God.
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son
Sleeping during harvest is a metaphor for laziness and neglect. In the cultural context of the Bible, harvest time was a period of intense labor and opportunity. Failing to work during this time would not only bring shame to the individual but also to the family, as it could lead to a lack of food and resources. This disgrace is not merely social but also spiritual, as it reflects a failure to live according to God's design for work and provision. The disgraceful son contrasts with the diligent ant inProverbs 6:6-8, who prepares and gathers at the appropriate time. This phrase serves as a warning against spiritual complacency, urging believers to be vigilant and active in their faith, much like the parable of the ten virgins inMatthew 25:1-13, where preparedness is key to entering the kingdom of heaven.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Wise SonRepresents an individual who acts with foresight and diligence, making the most of opportunities.
2.
Disgraceful SonSymbolizes someone who is lazy or negligent, failing to act when it is most crucial.
3.
SummerThe season of opportunity and preparation, a time when resources are gathered.
4.
HarvestA critical period for reaping the benefits of prior labor, symbolizing the culmination of efforts.
5.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and teachings on practical living.
Teaching Points
Diligence and ForesightEmphasize the importance of working diligently and preparing for the future. Just as a wise son gathers in summer, we should seize opportunities to work and prepare.
Consequences of NegligenceHighlight the negative outcomes of laziness and neglect. Sleeping during harvest leads to disgrace, illustrating the importance of timely action.
Spiritual ReadinessEncourage believers to be spiritually prepared, drawing parallels to the need for readiness in both physical and spiritual harvests.
Value of Hard WorkReinforce the biblical principle that hard work is honorable and leads to reward, while laziness results in shame and missed opportunities.
Seasonal AwarenessTeach the importance of recognizing and responding to the seasons of life, understanding that there is a time for work and a time for rest.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:5?
2.How does Proverbs 10:5 encourage diligence in our daily responsibilities?
3.What consequences does Proverbs 10:5 suggest for neglecting opportunities?
4.How can Proverbs 10:5 be applied to time management in our lives?
5.What other Proverbs emphasize the importance of hard work and preparation?
6.How does Proverbs 10:5 relate to the biblical principle of sowing and reaping?
7.What does Proverbs 10:5 teach about the value of hard work and diligence?
8.How does Proverbs 10:5 relate to the concept of wisdom in daily life?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 10:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10?
11.What does the Bible say about laziness?
12.What does the Bible teach about punctuality?
13.What does the Bible say about saving money?
14.In Ecclesiastes 11:6, does the advice to sow seed “morning and evening” ignore practical limitations like weather, climate, and resources?What Does Proverbs 10:5 Mean
He who gathers in summerThe verse begins on the farm, where life or death depended on getting crops in while the weather cooperated. Harvesttime is brief; miss it and the field rots.
•Proverbs 6:6-8 urges us to learn from “the ant” that “stores its provisions in summer.”
•Genesis 41:47-48 shows Joseph filling storehouses “during the seven years of abundance,” saving Egypt from famine.
•John 9:4 reminds us, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.”
The lesson is straightforward: God grants seasons of opportunity—work then, not later.
is a wise sonWisdom in Proverbs is skillful, God-fearing living (Proverbs 1:7). A “wise son” doesn’t just know the right thing; he acts on it promptly.
•Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful how you live… redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
•Ecclesiastes 3:1 affirms, “There is a time for every purpose under heaven.”
When we seize God-given moments—whether sharing the gospel, serving a neighbor, or providing for our family—we display true wisdom and honor our Father.
but he who sleeps during harvestSleeping when the barns should be filling pictures laziness and misplaced priorities.
•Proverbs 6:9-11 asks, “How long will you lie there, O sluggard?… poverty will come upon you like a robber.”
•Proverbs 24:30-34 shows a neglected vineyard overgrown because its owner “lacked judgment.”
•Romans 13:11 warns, “It is already the hour for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”
Idleness squanders God’s gifts, wastes time that can never be retrieved, and leaves needs unmet—both physical and spiritual.
is a disgraceful sonTo “disgrace” one’s family in biblical culture meant public shame. Laziness tarnishes not only personal reputation but also the standing of parents—and, for believers, the reputation of our heavenly Father.
•Proverbs 19:26 calls a negligent child “a disgraceful son who brings shame.”
•Proverbs 28:7 contrasts an obedient son with “a companion of gluttons” who “brings disgrace.”
•2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 commands believers to work, “so that you will not grow weary in doing good,” and labels idleness a disorder.
Neglecting our duties signals contempt for the One who entrusted them to us.
summaryProverbs 10:5 divides humanity into two simple categories: those who recognize God-appointed seasons and act, and those who nod off when the stakes are highest. Gathering in summer—using every window God gives—marks us as wise children who honor our Father. Sleeping through harvest signals laziness, missed blessing, and shame. The call is clear: wake up, roll up your sleeves, and join the harvest while the sun still shines.
Verse 5. -
He that gathereth the harvest into the barn at the right season. The idea of husbandry is continued from the preceding verse.
Son is here equivalent to "man," the maxim being addressed to the young.
That sleepeth; literally,
that snoreth; Vulgate,
qui stertit (
Judges 4:21).
A son that causeth shame. The phrase is found in
Proverbs 17:2;
Proverbs 19:26;
Proverbs 29:15. The Septuagint has, "The son of understanding is saved from the heat; but the sinful son is blasted by the wind in harvest."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He who gathersאֹגֵ֣ר(’ō·ḡêr)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 103:To harvestin summerבַּ֭קַּיִץ(baq·qa·yiṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7019:To awake[is] a wiseמַשְׂכִּ֑יל(maś·kîl)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7919:To be, circumspect, intelligentson,בֵּ֣ן(bên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A son[but] he who sleepsנִרְדָּ֥ם(nir·dām)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7290:To be in or fall into heavy sleepduring harvestבַּ֝קָּצִ֗יר(baq·qā·ṣîr)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7105:Severed, harvest, the crop, the time, the reaper, a limbis a disgracefulמֵבִֽישׁ׃(mê·ḇîš)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 954:To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayedson.בֵּ֣ן(bên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A son
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:5 He who gathers in summer (Prov. Pro Pr) 
