He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son. A characteristic of "wise son" who "maketh a glad father" (Proverbs 10:1). The "summer" or "harvest" time (as the second clause explains it) here represents the seasonable time for providing for ourselves. The time of youth and manhood; not deferring until old age. Also the time of health; not putting off until the time of sickness.
(But) he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame - both to his parents and to himself at the last. Wisdom is similarly opposed to causing shame in Proverbs 14:35; Proverbs 17:2.