Proverbs 10:4 (KJV) with Hebrew, Strong’s Concordance, and Deeper Insight
Proverbs 10:4 (KJV):
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
Hebrew Text with Strong’s Concordance Numbers:
רָאשׁ֣ (H7326) עֹשֶׂ֣ה (H6213) כַף־ (H3709) רְמִיָּ֑ה (H7423) וְיַ֥ד (H3027) חָרוּצִ֗ים (H2742) תַּעֲשִׁ֥יר׃ (H6238)
Transliteration with Strong’s Concordance Numbers:
“Rash-H7326 oseh-H6213 kaf-H3709 remiyyah-H7423; v’yad-H3027 charutzim-H2742 ta’ashir-H6238.”
Key Hebrew Words and Their Meanings:
- רָאשׁ֣ (Rash – H7326) → Poor, needy, lacking
- עֹשֶׂ֣ה (Oseh – H6213) → One who works, does, deals with
- כַף־ (Kaf – H3709) → Hand, palm
- רְמִיָּ֑ה (Remiyyah – H7423) → Slack, idle, lazy, deceitful
- יַ֥ד (Yad – H3027) → Hand, power, strength
- חָרוּצִ֗ים (Charutzim – H2742) → Diligent, determined, hardworking
- תַּעֲשִׁ֥יר (Ta’ashir – H6238) → Makes rich, brings prosperity
Deeper Insight & Meaning:
This verse contrasts laziness with diligence, showing how each affects a person’s financial state.
- “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand”
- “Slack hand” (Kaf Remiyyah) represents laziness, neglect, or lack of effort.
- A person who avoids hard work will eventually experience poverty.
- “But the hand of the diligent maketh rich”
- “Diligent” (Charutzim) means hardworking, disciplined, and proactive.
- Those who are persistent and responsible in their work will prosper.
Practical Application:
✅ Work Hard & Be Diligent – Success requires consistent effort and discipline.
✅ Avoid Laziness & Procrastination – Neglecting responsibilities leads to financial and personal struggles.
✅ Use Your Strength Wisely – Hard work, combined with wisdom and planning, results in lasting success.
Cross-Reference Verses:
📖 Proverbs 12:24 (KJV): “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”
📖 Proverbs 13:4 (KJV): “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
Conclusion:
Proverbs 10:4 teaches that hard work leads to prosperity, while laziness leads to poverty. It encourages diligence, responsibility, and persistence as keys to financial and personal success.
