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Proverbs 6:6-11
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: …

Proverbs 11:24
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; andthere is that withholdeth more than is meet, butit tendeth to poverty.

Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

with a slack hand

Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, andhath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligenttend only to plenteousness; but of every onethat is hasty only to want.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

but diligent hands bring wealth
This part of the verse highlights the rewards of hard work and perseverance. In the historical context of ancient Israel, diligence in farming, trade, or craftsmanship was necessary to achieve prosperity. The Bible consistently praises diligence, as seen inProverbs 12:24, which states that the diligent will rule. This principle is not only applicable to material wealth but also to spiritual riches. Jesus Christ, in His parables, often commended those who were faithful and industrious, such as in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Diligence is portrayed as a virtue that leads to God's blessings, both materially and spiritually, aligning with the biblical theme that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him and work faithfully in their endeavors.

• The verse opens with a picture that is painfully literal: hands choosing inactivity.

• Scripture never paints laziness as harmless. “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth” (Proverbs 26:15).

• God designed work before the Fall (Genesis 2:15). Neglecting that design distorts His intent and breeds trouble (cf.Proverbs 6:9-11;Ecclesiastes 10:18).

• Poverty here is the foreseeable harvest of persistent idleness. “A little sleep, a little slumber… and poverty will come upon you like a robber” (Proverbs 24:33-34).

• Consequences are practical—empty cupboards and unpaid bills—and spiritual: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

• God’s Word links provision to responsibility (Proverbs 13:4;1 Timothy 5:8). Idleness severs that link and invites lack.

• A striking contrast—hands now pictured in motion, stewarding opportunities.

• Diligence rises from the heart: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for it is the Lord you are serving” (Colossians 3:23).

• Traits of diligent hands:

– Purposeful planning (Proverbs 21:5)

– Steady perseverance (Proverbs 12:24)

– Honoring God in ordinary tasks (Ephesians 4:28;1 Corinthians 10:31)

• “The blessing of the Lord makes a man rich, and He adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22). Diligence positions us under that blessing.

• Wealth includes:

– Material provision (Deuteronomy 28:12;Proverbs 3:9-10)

– Credibility and influence (Proverbs 22:29)

– Eternal reward: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)

• Prosperity is never an end in itself; it becomes a tool for generosity and kingdom advance (2 Corinthians 9:8-11).

Proverbs 10:4 lays out a simple, literal chain: choose idleness and expect want; choose diligent, God-honoring labor and expect God’s tangible blessing. Scripture consistently affirms this pattern, urging believers to mirror the hardworking faithfulness of our Creator and to steward every opportunity His hand provides.