Proverbs 13:4 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing - We often hear many religious people expressing a desire to have more of the Divine life, and yet never get forward in it. How is this? The reason is, they desire, but do not stir themselves up to lay hold upon the Lord. They are always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. They seek to enter in at the strait gate, but are not able, because they do not strive.