Translation commentary on Proverbs 28:19

The first line of this saying is identical with the first line in 12.11.

“But he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty”: In this line “has no sense” of 12.11 is replaced by “will have plenty of poverty”, that is, “will be very poor.” See the comments on 12.11.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

complete verse (Proverbs 28:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 28:19:

  • Kupsabiny: “A farmer who stands strong/stable gets much food/crops.
    but the one who likes to stretch himself (rest) will become poor.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “There will be enough grain
    to feed those who work hard.
    The person who wastes [his] time
    will have only trouble.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “An industrious farmer has abundant food, but the one who wastes his time for a worthless deeds will-become-poor.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “The one who works industriously, he will eat much, but one who wastes his time will always be-poor.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “Farmers who work hard in their fields will produce good crops and always have plenty of food to eat,
    but those who spend all their time on useless projects/doing things that do not benefit anyone will become very poor.” (Source: Translation for Translators)