Postings on Proverbs 12:24

"The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor" (ESV)

The question before you is, which would you rather do, rule over a labor force or be forced labor? Today, we are selectively diligent. We work hard at things we like -- like some hobby or working out, etc. -- but it's not our character. It's not what we are all the time.

Someone could see you at the gym and say "She's a hard worker," but at school you're slothful. We don't have a sense of honor that says "All of life is all for Jesus; therefore, I'm going to work hard at everything, as if I'm doing it for Him." This proverb wants to change that.

Who? The diligent vs The slothful
What? Will rule vs. Will be put to forced labor
Where? Anywhere
When? Anytime
Why? Because he's diligent vs. Because he's slothful
How? ???

Notice, both proverbs are predicting the future based on the present. Who you are now determines who you will become. Few, if any, think like this today. Everything is about instant gratification so all that most think about is the here and now.

Proverbs wants you think this about how your today is shaping your tomorrow, saying those who can govern themselves will govern others; those who can't govern themselves will be governed by those who can (Waltke 540).

I see this working at a high school. The kids who don't do any work, who barely skate by with C's and D's (sadly, this is mostly boys), are setting themselves up for the lowest paying jobs our society offers. "The hand that avoids any work ends up performing the most burdensome tasks, and whoever cannot govern himself loses his independence and comes to drudgery" (Waltke 541).

Who will you become? I hope that helps! Truth is Immortal!!!