Proverbs 20:13  Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shall be satisfied with bread. 

This verse contrasts laziness versus diligence, warning that overindulgence in sleep brings poverty while attentiveness brings provision.

Excessive sleep is a symbol of laziness and neglect of duty. Those who prioritise comfort over work risk falling into idleness, poverty, and unfulfilled responsibilities.

Scripture references: The sluggard will be impoverished due to delay in labour (6:9-11). “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand” (10:4). Laziness makes one heavy with sleep and leads to want (19:15). Avoid overindulgence in rest when work and responsibilities call.

‘Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.’ Diligence and alertness lead to provision and satisfaction. ‘Open thine eyes’ emphasises awareness, attentiveness, and readiness to work. Hard work and responsibility ensure sustenance, stability, and blessing. God rewards diligence; those who are awake and industrious will be provided for.

Practice self-discipline; avoid indulgent or excessive rest. Be alert and active in work, trusting that God honours diligence. Cultivate a balance of rest and labour, ensuring rest does not become idleness. Love of sleep and laziness lead to want, but alertness, diligence, and industriousness bring satisfaction and provision. Work faithfully, and God will supply your needs.

Proverbs 12:11 He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows vain persons is void of understanding. 

‘He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread.’ Two examples of tilling: are Isaac (Gen. 26:12) and Jacob (Gen. 30:14; cp. Pro. 28:19).

Matthew 10:10, Lucas 10:7 and 1 Timothy 5:18 all clearly state that the workman is worthy of his meat or labour (12:14) and 2 Thessalonians 3:10 that if any would not work, neither should he eat. This principle is based upon the part of the curse to make a living by the sweat of the brow (Gen. 3:19). Idleness has always been a curse and always will be. It is wrong to support men who will not work and share their own responsibility. Ephesians 4:28 explains that we should not steal (even through begging) from others but rather labour and work with his hands that which is good. 

‘He that follows vain persons is void of understanding.’ Two examples of the following of vain persons: are Abimelech (Jdg. 9:1-57; cp. Pro. 24:21) and Theudas (Acts 5:36-37). Being void of understanding means one does not have the wisdom to discern evil (7:7) and most people are followers of such individuals which will most certainly lead to their own downfall. We are commanded to follow Christ and the example He set for us (1Pet. 2:21-23).