Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:24, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
American Standard Version
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
World English Bible version
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
Proverbs 12:24 Meaning & Commentary
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24 (ESV)
A diligent person and a slothful person are on two ends of the spectrum. As with everything in life, a “sowing and reaping” principle comes into effect. Proverbs 12:24 talks about this and what a diligent and slothful person will each reap.
A diligent person will rule, as this verse teaches us. What is a diligent person, though? A diligent person is someone who knows what is needed and is committed to completing the task and staying with it. They do not need to be told what to do – or at most, they need to be told once and then get on with it. Diligent people are faithful, trustworthy, and dependable.
Diligent people have a goal in mind and put their heads down to do what is needed to achieve that goal. Diligent people are hard-working people in the workplace – they take the initiative and put their hands to whatever is required, without anyone needing to tell them what to do. This is why The Bible says that the hand of the diligent will rule – because diligent people “take rulership” before it is given to them. Not in the sense of overstepping the mark but in the sense of taking ownership and responsibility!
Slothful people, on the other hand, take no responsibility or ownership and must constantly be told what to do. They often do the absolute “bare minimum” to get by and earn their paycheck. This is why they need to be put to forced labor, because of their mindset and attitude towards work. They exhibit no drive or initiative and need to be told precisely what to do all the time – otherwise, they will not do it.
How do you handle someone who does not want to do something they should or are paid to do? The only real option, other than parting ways, is to use a measure of “force” to get the job done. But thank God diligent people will find themselves in a place of rule wherever they are!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:24 to our lives?
Wherever we find ourselves, we need to exercise diligence. Diligence is one of the keys to progressing and moving forward. Everyone is seeking some sort of “promotion” in life. This could be financially or even in the type of work we do. One of the best ways to move forward and receive a “promotion” is to be very diligent where we find ourselves.
A diligent person is also faithful – diligence and faithfulness are like two brothers. Diligence also entails an element of faithfulness, and faithfulness unlocks the principle of “more” in our lives: Luke 16:10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If we cannot be faithful with what we have now, we will limit ourselves from receiving more.
Or, put another way – if we cannot be diligent where we find ourselves, we will not be able to enter the rulership that God has for us. God has created every one of us to rule and reign in this life: Romans 5:17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
We are called to be the head, and not the tail – above and not beneath: Deuteronomy 28:13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them. God’s desire is for us to rule and reign, not to be put to forced labor – however, we need to exercise diligence in everything and at all times!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word, which constantly challenges me to go further in life. Please help me to recognize any areas where I have not been diligent.
I desire from this day forward to be diligent and faithful in everything I do and wherever I find myself. Please strengthen me today to walk this out in my life, in every area of my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
