What does Proverbs 12:11 mean?

In this verse Solomon contrasts the value of productive work with the foolishness of wasting time. In Israel's agricultural society, wise farmers understood the high importance of working the land at the right time. Plowing and seeding were essential to a harvest, and a harvest put food on the table. A fool, however, would spend his time pursuing fantasies, like trying to find hidden treasure. In a modern context, it makes sense for a person to pursue employment, care for their home and family, and such. Foolish people leave those tasks undone while they spend time on other, unimportant things.

Scripture does not forbid rest, relaxation, or fun. God does not expect people to work themselves into a joyless exhaustion (Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11). What He does teach is the importance of doing what needs to be done, when it ought to be done (Proverbs 6:6–11).

A spiritual application of this principle would be the urgency of reaching others with the gospel (Matthew 28:19) while there is time to do so. The contrast would be failing to harvest souls because of a mind consumed with earthly pursuits. Jesus told His disciples not to delay in the harvesting of souls. He said, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest" (John 4:35). The psalmist observed, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5–6).

Chasing things of little or no value may mean avoiding the labor involved in contending for Christ (Philippians 1:27; 1 Timothy 4:10), but diligent soul-winning produces a harvest and great joy!