Proverbs 6:11

Proverbs 6:11. As one that travelleth— Dr. Grey would render this verse, So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want [shall overtake thee speedily] as a post, or messenger. See Jeremiah 51:31. Lord Bacon upon this proverb distinguishes between the poverty which comes as a traveller, and the want which comes as an armed man. The shipwreck of fortune falls upon prodigals, or such as are careless of their estates, by insensible degrees at the first; with soft silent paces, like a traveller, and is hardly perceived; but soon after necessity invades him like an armed man; i.e. presses upon him so hard, that he feels it plainly, and perceives that there is no resistance to be made: whereupon he gives this prudent advice,—to prevent the traveller, and to be well provided against the armed man. See his Advancement of Learning, book 8: chap. 2 parab. 5.