Proverbs 21:5 (KJV) with Hebrew, Strong’s Concordance, and Deeper Insight
Proverbs 21:5 (KJV):
“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.”
Hebrew Text with Strong’s Concordance Numbers:
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת (H4284) חָר֣וּץ (H2742) אַךְ (H389) לְמוֹתָ֑ר (H4195) וְכָל־ (H3605) אָ֝ץ (H213) אַךְ־ (H389) לְמַחְסֽוֹר׃ (H4270)
Transliteration with Strong’s Concordance Numbers:
“Machshevot-H4284 charutz-H2742 akh-H389 le’motar-H4195; ve’khol-H3605 atz-H213 akh-H389 le’machsor-H4270.”
Key Hebrew Words and Their Meanings:
- מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת (Machshevot – H4284) → Thoughts, plans, intentions, strategies
- חָר֣וּץ (Charutz – H2742) → Diligent, determined, hard-working
- אַךְ (Akh – H389) → Surely, certainly, only
- לְמוֹתָ֑ר (Le’motar – H4195) → Abundance, gain, profit, prosperity
- אָ֝ץ (Atz – H213) → Hasty, impulsive, rushed
- לְמַחְסֽוֹר (Le’machsor – H4270) → Lack, poverty, need, deficiency
Deeper Insight & Meaning:
This verse highlights the contrast between diligence and impulsiveness:
- “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness”
- “Thoughts” (Machshevot) refers to careful planning and wise decision-making.
- “Diligent” (Charutz) means hardworking and persistent.
- When we plan carefully and work diligently, it leads to prosperity and success.
- “But of every one that is hasty only to want”
- “Hasty” (Atz) refers to people who act rashly, without planning or patience.
- “Want” (Machsor) means lack or poverty—those who rush into decisions often fail financially.
Practical Application:
✅ Be Strategic – Wealth and success come through planning and diligence.
✅ Avoid Impulsiveness – Hasty decisions often lead to financial and life struggles.
✅ Work Hard & Stay Patient – Diligence and perseverance bring long-term blessings.
Cross-Reference Verses:
📖 Proverbs 10:4 (KJV): “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
📖 Luke 14:28 (KJV): “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost?”
Conclusion:
Proverbs 21:5 teaches that careful planning and diligent effort lead to abundance, while rushing into decisions without wisdom leads to lack. This is a timeless principle for finances, business, and personal growth.
