Searching for Proverbs 10:5 meaning? Here’s a commentary on what the passage means, along with application and appropriate prayer.
Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 10:5, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
American Standard Version
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; [But] he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
World English Bible version
He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
Proverbs 10:5 Meaning & Commentary
In Proverbs 10:5, we see farming, and particularly harvesting being used as an analogy for preparation as well as reaping in our lives. Now, The Bible talks about sowing and reaping in numerous places such as in Galatians 6:7-8 – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap, and also in 2 Corinthians 9:6 – The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully.
Proverbs 10:5 touches on a few deeper matters than just sowing and reaping, alone. It says that one who gathers in winter is prudent. The word prudent is the Hebrew word “Sakal”, meaning to be circumspect, wisely understand, and prosper. The Word here is telling us 2 primary things – To “make hay while the sun shines”, but the implication is also to store up for the seasons to come!
We see this principle in Proverbs 21:20 – Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. You see, harvest season is not every season; there is a time to reap what has been sown for, and a wise person, or as Proverbs 10:5 says, a PRUDENT person will “gather” in summer. This is to not only reap what has been sown but to gather and put aside more for when it may be needed.
In simple terms, we hear people talk about “saving for a rainy day”. This is wise and does not demonstrate a lack of faith! It is prudent behavior. Conversely, a person who sleeps in harvest brings shame – He reaps nothing now and has nothing stored up for the future!
Application
How then can we practically apply Proverbs 10:5 to our lives?
When the going is good, we need to cash in! There are times when the windows of heaven seem to be open over lives; this is when the going is good – We need to recognize it and receive as much as we can from God – Whether that be putting in extra time to cope with the workload, or simply ensuring that we can sustain an increase in our lives through our work ethic, integrity, and attitude.
However, we also need to “save for a rainy day”. Just because the going is good now, does not guarantee that it will always be that way? Many people were well set before COVID struck the world, however, they either had all their eggs in one basket – IE: Only 1 business, or way of making money, and/or they did not have a buffer of savings to help weather any storm lurking around the corner. A wise person will not only have a buffer of cash set aside to help weather any potential storms but will also look to the future and either look to evolve their business or get additional streams of income built up, or both!
This is how a prudent person operates. They always try to be 3 steps ahead. Don’t take blessings and abundance for granted! Receive it while is there but prepare as if the stream will dry up – This way you can always be on the front foot, and not caught off guard! Save up a cash buffer, and work with the mentality that whatever income streams you have now could potentially dry up in the future. This is practically how to prepare for the unseen realities of life that can strike at any moment!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus Christ’s name, and I ask that you help me to be able to discern when the windows of heaven are open over my life. I thank you for the seasons of increase and blessing that you have ordained for me.
I pray that I would be a prudent and wise steward of all that you entrust to me and that you would give me foresight and perception to plan ahead, as well as ideas to generate extra cash flow and prepare for that which is to come. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ mighty name! Amen!
