Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. New Living Translation Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. English Standard Version The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Berean Standard Bible The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. King James Bible The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. New King James Version The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor. New American Standard Bible The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy hand will be put to forced labor. NASB 1995 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor. NASB 1977 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor. Legacy Standard Bible The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor. Amplified Bible The hand of the diligent will rule, But the negligent and lazy will be put to forced labor. Christian Standard Bible The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor. Holman Christian Standard Bible The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor. American Standard Version The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork. Contemporary English Version Work hard, and you will be a leader; be lazy, and you will end up a slave. English Revised Version The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be put under taskwork. GOD'S WORD® Translation Hard-working hands gain control, but lazy hands do slave labor. Good News Translation Hard work will give you power; being lazy will make you a slave. International Standard Version The diligent will take control, but the lazy will be put to forced labor. Majority Standard Bible The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. NET Bible The diligent person will rule, but the slothful will become a slave. New Heart English Bible The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. Webster's Bible Translation The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. World English Bible The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe hand of the diligent rules, "" And slothfulness becomes tributary. Young's Literal Translation The hand of the diligent ruleth, And slothfulness becometh tributary. Smith's Literal Translation The hand of the active shall give dominion: and of the slothful one shall be for tribute. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe hand of the valiant shall bear rule: but that which is slothful, shall be under tribute. Catholic Public Domain Version The hand of the strong will rule. But anyone who is neglectful will pay tribute. New American Bible The diligent hand will govern, but sloth makes for forced labor. New Revised Standard Version The hand of the diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe hand of the diligent shall bear rule; but the deceitful shall be under tribute. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The hand of the mighty will rule and the deceitful will be under tribute. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be under tribute. Brenton Septuagint Translation The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Loving Discipline and Knowledge…23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. 24The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. 25Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.… Cross References Proverbs 10:4 Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 13:4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 6:6-11 Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ... Ecclesiastes 10:18 Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks. Matthew 25:14-30 For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ... Luke 19:12-27 So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return. / Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. / But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ ... Romans 12:11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. Genesis 41:39-41 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. / You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Nehemiah 4:6 So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. Psalm 75:6-7 For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. Treasury of Scripture The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. hand Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Proverbs 17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. but Proverbs 12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Proverbs 21:25,26 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour… slothful or deceitful Jump to Previous Authority Bear Diligent Ends Forced Hand Hands Laziness Ones Ready Rule Ruleth Slack Slave Slothful Slothfulness Slow Taskwork Tributary Tribute Work WorkerJump to Next Authority Bear Diligent Ends Forced Hand Hands Laziness Ones Ready Rule Ruleth Slack Slave Slothful Slothfulness Slow Taskwork Tributary Tribute Work WorkerProverbs 12 1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledgeThe hand of the diligent will rule This phrase emphasizes the value of diligence and hard work, a recurring theme throughout the book of Proverbs. In biblical times, diligence was often associated with leadership and prosperity. The imagery of the "hand" suggests active engagement and effort. The concept of ruling can be linked to Genesis 1:26-28, where humanity is given dominion over the earth, indicating that diligent stewardship aligns with God's original design for creation. Historically, those who were diligent in their work, such as Joseph in Genesis 39:2-4, often rose to positions of authority and influence. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul encourages believers to work heartily as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). but laziness ends in forced labor Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God. 2. Israel The nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his wisdom literature. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's reign is important for understanding the practical implications of diligence and laziness. 3. Diligent Worker Represents individuals who are industrious, proactive, and committed to their tasks. In the context of this proverb, they are those who will rise to positions of leadership and influence. 4. Lazy Person Represents individuals who are idle, neglectful, or unwilling to exert effort. According to the proverb, they will find themselves in subservient positions, often under compulsion. 5. Forced Labor A situation where individuals are compelled to work under duress or without the freedom to choose their tasks. This serves as a metaphor for the consequences of laziness. Teaching Points The Value of DiligenceDiligence is a virtue that leads to leadership and influence. It is a reflection of one's character and commitment to excellence. Consequences of Laziness Laziness results in a lack of freedom and autonomy, often leading to undesirable circumstances. It is important to recognize the long-term effects of neglecting responsibilities. Biblical Work Ethic Christians are called to work diligently as a form of service to God. Our work should reflect our faith and commitment to God's principles. Stewardship and Responsibility We are stewards of the time, talents, and resources God has given us. Diligence in managing these gifts honors God and benefits others. Leadership through Service True leadership is often a result of diligent service. By serving others faithfully, we position ourselves for greater influence and responsibility.(24) Under tribute.--Like the descendants of the Amorites and other former inhabitants of Canaan, by whose forced labour Solomon executed his great works (1Kings 9:20-21). A Hebrew from poverty might be reduced to slavery (Lev. xxv, 39),Verses 24-28 speak of the means of getting on in life. Verse 24. - The hand of the diligent shall bear rule (Proverbs 10:4). For "diligent" the Vulgate has fortium, "the strong and active;" Septuagint, ἐκλεκτῶν, "choice." Such men are sure to rise to the surface, and get the upper hand in a community, as the LXX. adds, "with facility," by a natural law. But the slothful (literally, slothfulness) shall be under tribute; or, reduced to compulsory service, like the Gibeonites in Joshua's time, and the Canaanites under Solomon (Joshua 9:21, 23; 1 Kings 9:21). So Proverbs 11:29, "The fool shall be slave to the wise;" and an Israelite reduced to poverty might be made a servant (Leviticus 25:39, 40). The LXX., taking the word in another sense, translates, "The crafty shall be for plunder;" i.e. they who think to succeed by fraud and trickery shall become the prey of those who are stronger than themselves. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The handיַד־ (yaḏ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of the diligent חָרוּצִ֥ים (ḥā·rū·ṣîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2742: Incised, incisive, a trench, gold, a threshing-sledge, determination, eager will rule, תִּמְשׁ֑וֹל (tim·šō·wl) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign but laziness ו֝רְמִיָּ֗ה (ū·rə·mî·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7423: Remissness, treachery ends in תִּהְיֶ֥ה (tih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be forced labor. לָמַֽס׃ (lā·mas) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4522: Body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers, taskwork, serfdom Links Proverbs 12:24 NIVProverbs 12:24 NLT Proverbs 12:24 ESV Proverbs 12:24 NASB Proverbs 12:24 KJV Proverbs 12:24 BibleApps.com Proverbs 12:24 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 12:24 Chinese Bible Proverbs 12:24 French Bible Proverbs 12:24 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:24 The hands of the diligent ones shall (Prov. 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