Proverbs 12:24

24 The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Proverbs 12:24 In-Context

22 Lying lips are a abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.

23 An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.

24 The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.

25 A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him.

26 A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.