Proverbs 13:23

Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment.

Ver. 23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor.] of the poet is well known, Laudato ingentia rura, exiguum colito. a It is best for a man to have no more than he can master and make his best of. The ground should be weaker than he that tills it, saith Columella. b The earth is a fruitful mother, and "brings forth meat for them by whom it is dressed." Heb 6:7

But there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.] - viz., In ploughing and sowing, Isa 28:26 or in managing and husbanding what he hath gotten, for the best. For non minor est virtus quam quaerere, parta tueri. We must be good husbands, and see that condus be fortior promo, our comings in be more than our layings out. Bonus servatius facit bonum bonifacium, saith the Dutchman in his blunt proverb, A good saver makes a well doer.

a Virgil, Geog., lib. ii.

b Lib. i. cap. 3.