Proverbs 12:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

NIV: Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

NASB: The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy hand will be put to forced labor.

CSB: The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.

NLT: Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

KJV: The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

NKJV: The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

The term translated "diligent" here is also used in Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 12:27, and Proverbs 13:4. The term is related to words that imply something sharp or cutting. The impression seems to be someone effective, in control, and making progress. The other verses where this idea is used also imply someone who is hardworking, in contrast to someone lazy or distracted with trivial things. For the most part, "diligent" workers are more likely to be promoted into positions of authority, while those who are lazy tend to be left to the least desirable tasks.

A diligent person has self-control. He rules the circumstances in which he finds himself, rather than being ruled by them. The apostle Paul was diligent. He disciplined his body (1 Corinthians 9:26–27), and he pressed on to become spiritually mature (Philippians 3:12). Even when he was under house arrest in Rome, he did not let harsh circumstance dominate his thoughts and feelings. He learned to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:11). He writes also: "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:12–13).

Proverbs 12 contains a series of contrasts between lifestyles, comparing those who honor God to those who reject His wisdom. The results of those decisions are also compared. This repeats several common themes from the book of Proverbs, such as the self-destructive nature of sin and God's distaste for those who lie.

Proverbs 12 continues Solomon's wise sayings. A large portion of the book of Proverbs includes these short, common sense pieces of advice. After a series of introductions and lessons in chapters 1—9, chapter 10 began a long list of individual statements. In this chapter he continues to contrast the righteous and the wicked, showing that the life of the righteous is far better than the life of the wicked. This pattern will continue, covering the same basic theme, through chapter 15.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.