Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 12:24 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. "
Proverbs 12:24
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight.
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
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Industry is the way to advancement. Solomon promoted Jeroboam because he saw that he was a hardworking young man who took care of his duties (1 Kings 11:28). People who put effort into study and useful service gain influence and a good name. In this way, many have risen in surprising ways. Those who are faithful in a few things will be made rulers over many things.
The elders, the older leaders who labor in teaching and preaching, are worthy of double honor. In the same way, people who are diligent when they are young gain what will later help them lead, and then rest when they are old.
Dishonesty is the path to slavery. The Hebrew word here can mean careless, but it more likely means deceitful. Those who avoid honest work and live by tricks and dishonest schemes end up poor and low. People who are diligent and honest as apprentices often become masters, but those who are not will spend their lives serving wise and prudent people.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 12:1
"Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid."
Proverbs 12:2
"A good man shall obtain favor from the LORD, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans."
Proverbs 12:3
"A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved."
Proverbs 12:4
"A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones."
Proverbs 12:5
"The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful."
Proverbs 12:6
"The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them."
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