16 The sluggard (עָצֵל, ’atsel) is the lazy or sluggish person (cf. “lazy person”; , “lazybones”).
17 The conjunction vav (ו) here has the classification of alternative, “or” (R. J. Williams, Hebrew Syntax, 71, §433).
18 The adds a lengthy section at the end of the verse on the lesson from the bee: “Or, go to the bee and learn how diligent she is and how seriously she does her work—her products kings and private persons use for health—she is desired and respected by all—though feeble in body, by honoring wisdom she obtains distinction.” The Greek translator thought the other insect should be mentioned (see C. H. Toy, Proverbs [], ). Heb “its food.”
19 The use of the two rhetorical questions is designed to rebuke the lazy person in a forceful manner. The sluggard is spending too much time sleeping.
20 The writer might in this verse be imitating the words of the sluggard who just wants to take “a little nap.” The use is ironic, for by indulging in this little rest the lazy one comes to ruin.
21 Heb “like a wayfarer” or “like a traveler” (cf. ). The has “swiftness like a traveler.” It has also been interpreted as a “highwayman” (cf. ) or a “dangerous assailant.” W. McKane suggests “vagrant” (Proverbs [], 324); cf. “vagabond.” Someone traveling swiftly would likely be a robber.
22 The Hebrew word for “armed” is probably connected to the word for “shield” and “deliver” ( גָּנַן). G. R. Driver connects it to the Arabic word for “bold; insolent,” interpreting its use here as referring to a beggar or an insolent man (“Studies in the Vocabulary of the Old Testament, IV,” 33 [1933]: 38–47).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Go to the ant, O sluggard;

consider her ways, and be wise.

Without having any chief,

officer, or ruler,

she prepares her bread in summer

and gathers her food in harvest.

How long will you lie there, O sluggard?

When will you arise from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest,

and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like an armed man.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Go to the ant, you sluggard;

consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander,

no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer

and gathers its food at harvest.

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?

When will you get up from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest—

and poverty will come on you like a thief

and scarcity like an armed man.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Go to the ant, you slacker!

Observe its ways and become wise.

Without leader, administrator, or ruler,

it prepares its provisions in summer;

it gathers its food during harvest.

How long will you stay in bed, you slacker?

When will you get up from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the arms to rest,

and your poverty will come like a robber,

your need, like a bandit.

NLTNew Living Translation

Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.

Learn from their ways and become wise!

Though they have no prince

or governor or ruler to make them work,

they labor hard all summer,

gathering food for the winter.

But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?

When will you wake up?

A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest—

then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;

scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Go to the ant, lazy!

Consider its ways and be wise.

It has no chief,

officer, or ruler.

In the summer, it prepares its food;

in the harvest, it gathers its sustenance.

How long will you lie down, lazy?

When will you rise up from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands for rest—

like a robber shall your poverty come,

and what you lack like an armed man.

KJV 1900King James Version

Go to the ant, thou sluggard;

Consider her ways, and be wise:

Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

Provideth her meat in the summer,

And gathereth her food in the harvest.

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?

When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to sleep:

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth,

And thy want as an armed man.

Public Domain