The Focus of Poverty

(Pro 28:19 KJV)  He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

In the NASB you have the word “plenty” (7646) used twice.  The KJV uses “enough” the second time.  It is interesting that the Hebrew is the same both times.  On one side you have plenty of “food” (3899).  On the other you have plenty of  “poverty” (7389).  Which plenty do you want? 

The difference seems to be focus.  I have never been a farmer.  I have never tilled the land but I have heard comments on how you are able to achieve straight rows by keeping your eye on a distant point.  I wonder if this is a word picture that was clear to the agricultural society of the day.  If you focus you plow straight.  If you are talking or daydreaming you wonder all over the field.

So?  Poverty awaits.  All it takes is for you to not focus on the goals and priorities of life.  Oppression happens.  Tragedy strikes.  Biblically the greatest causes of poverty are the failures of the person who has the most to lose.