Other versions
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage,
But everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5, AMP
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5, NLT
Related Scriptures
Proverbs 10:4
Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Proverbs 13:4
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
Proverbs 19:2
Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.
Proverbs 28:22
A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him
Select Commentary
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 5. – The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness. Patient industry is rewarded by a certain increase (comp. Proverbs 12:11; Proverbs 13:11; Proverbs 14:23).
Says an English maxim,
“Diligence is a fair for tune, and industry a good estate,”
The Greek gnomists have said tersely –
“To him who labours all good things accrue
The man who labours God himself assists.”
But of every one that is hasty only to want. Diligence is contrasted with hastiness. The hasting to be rich by any, even nefarious, means (Proverbs 20:21; Proverbs 28:20) will bring a man to poverty. There are numerous proverbs warning against precipitancy, which will occur to everyone: Festina lente;
“More haste, less speed;”
My Pondering
Apparently Benjamin Franklin had this Scripture in mind when he coined the rhyme:
“Take time for all things.
Great haste, makes great waste”
Benjamin Franklin
And I adore this great quote by the legendary Hoosier:
“Be quick but not in a hurry”
John Wooden
and this one too:
“Measure twice, cut once”
Anonymous
There is good balance required in all successful endeavors, including this topic.
“Be as quick as you can but not faster than you should”
Kirk Booher (an original – at least semi 😉
Pondering Life : Pursuing God 