Proverbs 10:5-6 (ESV)
5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Solomon contrasts diligence and laziness. The prudent son recognizes the season and responds rightly. Summer and harvest were times to work hard, gather provision, and prepare for what was ahead. Opportunity would not last forever. This son pays attention, accepts responsibility, and acts with wisdom. Proverbs 6:8 praised the ant for storing food in season, and the same principle appears here. Wisdom notices what needs to be done and does it.
By contrast, the son who sleeps during harvest is shameful. It is not that rest is sinful, but that he is inactive when action is required. The need is obvious, the opportunity is present, and yet he remains checked out. He ignores reality, wastes time, and brings embarrassment on himself and grief to those connected to him. As Jay Adams observed, the Hebrew idea could be summarized as one son stores while the other snores. One serves. One sleeps.
Verse 6 moves from work habits to moral character. Blessings rest on the head of the righteous like a crown or garland. God’s favor is upon those who walk uprightly. Good things often come to and through this person. The Lord blesses them, and they in turn become a blessing to others. Their lives tend to bring encouragement, help, stability, and peace. Others pray for them, speak well of them, and are strengthened through them because righteousness never remains private in its effects.
The wicked are different. Their mouth conceals violence. Their words may appear polished, but beneath them are selfish motives, scheming, and harm. They use speech to gain advantage rather than to honor God or serve people. They do not shrink back from hurting others if it benefits them. Instead of asking how to please the Lord, they ask how to manipulate the situation for personal good. But hidden sin does not stay hidden forever. In time, the heart reveals itself through words, choices, and consequences.
Are you awake to the responsibilities God has placed before you, or spiritually sleepy while harvest opportunities pass by? What about personal sacrifice and putting the interests of others above your own? Are you more concerned with what people think or what God thinks? And when you speak, do your words bless, or do they subtly use others for self gain? Do not waste the season God has given you. Stop lingering over the mirror and return to what God has called you to do. Ask him for strength to work faithfully, speak honestly, and live uprightly. The woman who fears the Lord becomes a blessing wherever he places her.