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Proverbs 12:24
Verse
Context
Sermons
St. Benedict of Nursia
F.B. Meyer
George FoxSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
We take Pro 12:24-28 together as a group. In these verses the subject is the means of rising (in the world), and the two ways, the one of which leads to error, and the other to life. 24 The land of the diligent attains to dominion, But slothfulness will become tributary. In Pro 10:4 רמיּה was adj., but to כּף standing beside it; here it is to be regarded as adj. to יד (sluggish hand) supplied from 24a, but may be equally regarded as a subst. (slothfulness) (vid., at Pro 12:27). Regarding חרוּץ, vid., p. 211. מס signifies tribute and service, i.e., tributary service rendered to a master. In Pro 11:29 עבד stands for it. It is still the experience of to-day, as it was of Solomon's time, that slothfulness (indolence) brings down to a state of servitude, if not even deeper, but that vigorous activity raises to dominion or to the position of a master, i.e., to independence, wealth, respect, and power.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
slothful--(Compare Margin), so called because he fails to meet his promises. under tribute--not denoting legal taxes, but the obligation of dependence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule,.... "Shall become rich", so Jarchi interprets it, according to Pro 10:4; Through diligence men get riches, and through riches they arrive to power and authority over others: from apprentices and journeymen workmen they become masters of their business; diligent men become masters of families, and have servants and workmen under them; become magistrates in cities, and bear rule over their fellow citizens, and are advanced to places of power and authority in the commonwealth; see Pro 22:29; but the slothful shall be under tribute; the "slothful" or "deceitful hand" (l), for so it may be rendered and supplied; for usually such who are slothful, and do not care for business, get their living by deceitful methods, by tricking and sharping; and such become subject to others, to them that are diligent; hence said to be "under tribute", or tributary; because those that are tributary are in subjection to those to whom they pay tribute. (l) "Manus fraudulentiae", Michaelis; "dolosa", Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Mercerus, Gejerus; "fraudulenta", Tigurine version, Vatablus.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Industry is the way to preferment. Solomon advanced Jeroboam because he saw that he was an industrious young man, and minded his business, Kg1 11:28. Men that take pains in study and serviceableness will thereby gain such an interest and reputation as will give them a dominion over all about them, by which means many have risen strangely. He that has been faithful in a few things shall be made ruler over many things. The elders, that labour in the word and doctrine, are worthy of double honour; and those that are diligent when they are young will get that which will enable them to rule, and so to rest, when they are old. 2. Knavery is the way to slavery: The slothful and careless, or rather the deceitful (for so the word signifies), shall be under tribute. Those that, because they will not take pains in an honest calling, live by their shifts and arts of dishonesty, are paltry and beggarly, and will be kept under. Those that are diligent and honest when they are apprentices will come to be masters; but those that are otherwise are the fools who, all their days, must be servants to the wise in heart.
Proverbs 12:24
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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
From the Calends of October
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 12:241CO 5:11COL 3:232TH 3:10HEB 12:11St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of discipline, structure, and focus on spiritual growth through reading and work assignments during specific hours of the day, with a special emphasis on Lent when each sister is given a book to read from start to finish. He also highlights the role of senior sisters in ensuring that all sisters are diligent in their tasks and not engaging in idleness or distractions, with corrective measures in place for those who do not adhere to the rules.
Jotham Became Mighty, Because He
By F.B. Meyer0OrderlinessFaithfulness in Small Things2CH 27:6PSA 37:23PRO 12:24PRO 16:3MAT 14:19LUK 16:10JHN 11:441CO 14:40COL 3:231PE 5:7F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways, illustrating that success in life is closely tied to orderliness and method. He argues that a truly holy person embodies order in their life, reflecting God's nature and the example of Jesus, who valued organization in both ministry and personal conduct. Meyer encourages practical habits such as neatness, carefulness, and mental order in daily activities, suggesting that these contribute to a peaceful and successful life. By being faithful in small matters, one can achieve greater responsibilities and strength in their spiritual journey.
Self-Ends
By George Fox0DiligenceWalking in the LightPRO 12:24MAT 5:16JHN 8:122CO 5:10GAL 6:9EPH 5:141TH 5:14HEB 12:1JAS 1:221PE 5:8George Fox emphasizes the importance of diligence and obedience to the Light within each individual, urging Friends to avoid slothfulness and to maintain a lively spirit in their faith. He warns against those who may come with selfish intentions, reminding the community that the Light will judge such self-ends and ensure that only those who are sincere and willing to embrace their own condemnation can be accepted. Fox encourages the community to support one another in their spiritual journey, ensuring that they remain united in Christ and uphold the truth without reproach.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
We take Pro 12:24-28 together as a group. In these verses the subject is the means of rising (in the world), and the two ways, the one of which leads to error, and the other to life. 24 The land of the diligent attains to dominion, But slothfulness will become tributary. In Pro 10:4 רמיּה was adj., but to כּף standing beside it; here it is to be regarded as adj. to יד (sluggish hand) supplied from 24a, but may be equally regarded as a subst. (slothfulness) (vid., at Pro 12:27). Regarding חרוּץ, vid., p. 211. מס signifies tribute and service, i.e., tributary service rendered to a master. In Pro 11:29 עבד stands for it. It is still the experience of to-day, as it was of Solomon's time, that slothfulness (indolence) brings down to a state of servitude, if not even deeper, but that vigorous activity raises to dominion or to the position of a master, i.e., to independence, wealth, respect, and power.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
slothful--(Compare Margin), so called because he fails to meet his promises. under tribute--not denoting legal taxes, but the obligation of dependence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule,.... "Shall become rich", so Jarchi interprets it, according to Pro 10:4; Through diligence men get riches, and through riches they arrive to power and authority over others: from apprentices and journeymen workmen they become masters of their business; diligent men become masters of families, and have servants and workmen under them; become magistrates in cities, and bear rule over their fellow citizens, and are advanced to places of power and authority in the commonwealth; see Pro 22:29; but the slothful shall be under tribute; the "slothful" or "deceitful hand" (l), for so it may be rendered and supplied; for usually such who are slothful, and do not care for business, get their living by deceitful methods, by tricking and sharping; and such become subject to others, to them that are diligent; hence said to be "under tribute", or tributary; because those that are tributary are in subjection to those to whom they pay tribute. (l) "Manus fraudulentiae", Michaelis; "dolosa", Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Mercerus, Gejerus; "fraudulenta", Tigurine version, Vatablus.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Industry is the way to preferment. Solomon advanced Jeroboam because he saw that he was an industrious young man, and minded his business, Kg1 11:28. Men that take pains in study and serviceableness will thereby gain such an interest and reputation as will give them a dominion over all about them, by which means many have risen strangely. He that has been faithful in a few things shall be made ruler over many things. The elders, that labour in the word and doctrine, are worthy of double honour; and those that are diligent when they are young will get that which will enable them to rule, and so to rest, when they are old. 2. Knavery is the way to slavery: The slothful and careless, or rather the deceitful (for so the word signifies), shall be under tribute. Those that, because they will not take pains in an honest calling, live by their shifts and arts of dishonesty, are paltry and beggarly, and will be kept under. Those that are diligent and honest when they are apprentices will come to be masters; but those that are otherwise are the fools who, all their days, must be servants to the wise in heart.