Proverbs 24:27

24:27 Establish your work outside and get your fields ready;

afterward build ¹  your house. ² 

Proverbs 24:30

24:30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of one who lacks wisdom. ³ 

[24:27]  ¹ tn The perfect tense with vav following the imperatives takes on the force of an imperative here.

[24:27]  ² sn If the term “house” is understood literally, the proverb would mean that one should be financially secure before building a house (cf. NLT). If “house” is figurative for household (metonymy of subject: children or family), the proverb would mean that one should have financial security and provision before starting a family. Some English versions suggest the latter meaning by using the word “home” for “house” (e.g., TEV, CEV).

[24:30]  ³ tn Heb “lacks heart”; KJV “understanding”; NAB, NASB, NLT “sense.”