Proverbs 12:24

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the negligent shall be under tribute.

Proverbs 12:24 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 12:24

The hand of the diligent shall bear rule
"Shall become rich", so Jarchi interprets it, according to ( Proverbs 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 ( Proverbs 22:29 ) ; but the slothful shall be under tribute;
the "slothful" or "deceitful hand" F12, 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.


FOOTNOTES:

F12 "Manus fraudulentiae", Michaelis; "dolosa", Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Mercerus, Gejerus; "fraudulenta", Tigurine version, Vatablus.

Proverbs 12:24 In-Context

22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but the workers of the truth are his delight.
23 The sane man conceals his wisdom: but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the negligent shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop: but a good word makes it glad.
26 The righteous causes his neighbour to consider: but the way of the wicked causes them to err.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010