Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:11, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
American Standard Version
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain [persons] is void of understanding.
World English Bible version
He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
Proverbs 12:11 Meaning & Commentary
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Proverbs 12:11 (ESV)
When we think about a few well-known and financially successful names – what comes to mind when we hear them? Warren Buffett – Investing. Michael Jordan – Basketball. J.R Tolkien – Writing. Each of these people had their own “land” which they worked and grew. When The Bible talks about land in Proverbs 12:11, it refers to something we have or possess – like a talent or a gift.
We could paraphrase this sentence to say, “Whoever works, nurtures, and grows his skills, talents, and abilities will find great success.” Many people miss it because they want to try and be someone else – instead of being themselves. They see someone finding great success in business and making lots of money and immediately think they need to do the same. Or they see a successful sportsperson and are inspired to go into sports.
Inspiration is not bad if you are called into a similar field. The problem is when people decide to go into something they are not called or equipped for. Everyone has unique talents, gifts, and abilities. A writer does not think like a graphic designer. Likewise, a lawyer will think differently from an accountant or an IT professional. God knows us best and has equipped us to succeed in what he has called us to do: Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
When we grasp the truth that we are created by God, we can be content to be ourselves, knowing that God has a specific plan and purpose for our lives. God has created us for good works, which he has prepared for us beforehand. We need to figure out what God wants us to do and then walk in that: Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Worthless pursuits are anything outside God’s plan, purpose, and will and carry no eternal fruit!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:11 to our lives?
We need to settle it in our hearts and minds that God has a plan and purpose for us: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Once we have done this, we can move toward discovering and walking in God’s plan and purpose for our lives.
What are some practical ways we can do this? Firstly, check the desires of your heart. What do you want to or desire to do? The Bible says that God gives us the desires of our heart: Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. When your desires are to serve and help people, those should not be ignored! Whether it is to build a school, start an orphanage, etc. – these desires could very well be God-given.
We also need to evaluate what we are good at. God will equip us to do what we need to do for Him. Next, we need to listen to what others say about us. Sometimes we may not easily be able to recognize what we are good at, but others will usually see it. For example, if more than one person tells us that we are good at counseling people, we should take note. What others see in us should indicate what we can or cannot do.
Lastly, and probably the most important, is just to try! When starting on a certain path, it is nearly impossible to know precisely that we are on the right path. The best thing to do is to try and keep on trying. As we earnestly seek God and seek to do His Will, he will show us where we may be missing the mark and cause us to step into His perfect will!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You that You have a plan and a purpose for my life. I desire to work my land from this day forward, knowing that you have a specific and unique plan for my life. Please give me wisdom, discernment, and insight to know your plan and purpose for my life. Please give me the boldness to step out and act. Thank you that if I miss the mark, you are kind and gracious to steer me back on course. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
