Proverbs 13:4 kjv — The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

King James Version

"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat."

— Proverbs 13:4, King James Version

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Proverbs 13:4 in Other Translations

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Proverbs 13 — Context

1

A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

2

A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

3

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

4

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

5

A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

6

Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

7

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

Proverbs 13:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 13:4 say?
Proverbs 13:4 in the King James Version reads: “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
Where is Proverbs 13:4 in the Bible?
Proverbs 13:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 13, verse 4.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 13:4.
What translation should I read Proverbs 13:4 in?
Proverbs 13:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 13:4?
Proverbs 13:4 reads (KJV): “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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