What other Proverbs emphasize the value of diligence and hard work? Anchoring Truth: Proverbs 12:27 “A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possessions.” • God celebrates diligence that sees a task through to completion. • Neglect squanders even the blessings already in hand; perseverance honors what God provides. The Ant’s Classroom – Proverbs 6:6-11 “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! … it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest… A little sleep… and poverty will come upon you like a robber.” • The tiny ant models foresight and steady effort. • Laziness is never neutral; it invites sudden loss. Quick-Glance Verses on Work and Reward • Proverbs 10:4-5 – “Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth… he who gathers in summer is a prudent son…” • Proverbs 12:11 – “He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.” • Proverbs 13:4 – “The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.” • Proverbs 14:23 – “There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” • Proverbs 18:9 – “Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.” • Proverbs 20:4 – “The sluggard does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.” • Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” • Proverbs 22:29 – “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings…” • Proverbs 27:18 – “He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.” • Proverbs 28:19 – “He who works his land will have abundant food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.” A Field Neglected – Proverbs 24:30-34 “I went past the field of a slacker… thorns had grown up everywhere… A little sleep, a little slumber… and poverty will come upon you like a robber.” • Idleness is visible; it leaves a public testimony of waste. • Small repeated choices—“a little sleep”—create large eventual loss. Planning, Skill, Perseverance • Diligence includes thoughtful planning (21:5), developed skill (22:29), and faithful service (27:18). • God links respect and promotion to dependable, high-quality work. Living Illustration: The Virtuous Woman – Proverbs 31 • “She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.” (31:13) • “She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong.” (31:17) • “She… does not eat the bread of idleness.” (31:27) • Her diligence blesses her household and earns praise at the city gate. Pulling It Together • Proverbs returns to diligence because God designed work as a channel of provision and honor. • From ants to kings, steady, purposeful effort is celebrated, while laziness is exposed and warned against. • Embracing these verses guards resources, nurtures character, and opens doors for greater stewardship and influence. |
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