Proverbs 12:24
What does Proverbs 12:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 12:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 12:24 means
This proverb contrasts the outcomes of diligence and sloth. The "diligent hand" symbolizes active, industrious effort, suggesting that consistent hard work leads to positions of authority and influence ("will rule"). This implies a direct correlation between effort and reward, where diligent individuals rise to leadership or mastery over their circumstances. Conversely, the "slothful hand" represents laziness and idleness. Such inaction, the proverb warns, results in subjugation and hardship, depicted as being "put to forced labor." This imagery evokes a sense of being controlled or exploited, highlighting the negative consequences of neglecting responsibilities and opportunities. The verse essentially champions hard work as a path to power and warns against the perils of idleness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The hand of the ready worker will have authority, but he who is slow in his work will be put to forced work.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The hand of the diligent ruleth, And slothfulness becometh tributary.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The hand of the valiant shall bear rule: but that which is slothful shall be under tribute.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; but the slothful [hand] shall be under tribute.
Context
Proverbs 12, as a whole, frequently contrasts the righteous and the wicked, and the wise and the foolish. This specific verse (12:24) fits squarely within this broader theme by contrasting diligence with sloth, presenting a practical example of how one’s character, particularly their work ethic, leads to distinct life outcomes. Immediately preceding verses discuss honesty and deceit, and the care that the righteous show for their animals, while following verses continue to explore themes of righteousness, justice, and the consequences of one's actions and words. Therefore, 12:24 functions as a concrete illustration of the principle that diligent, righteous living leads to favor and authority, while laziness leads to difficulties, aligning with the chapter's overall instruction in practical wisdom.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 49:15
And he saw a resting-place that it was good, And the land that it was pleasant; And he bowed his shoulder to bear, And became a servant under taskwork.
- Proverbs 17:2
A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.
- Proverbs 10:4
He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand; But the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
- Proverbs 26:13
The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.
- 1 Kings 9:21
their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel were not able utterly to destroy, of them did Solomon raise a levy of bondservants unto this day.
- Proverbs 12:27
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting; But the precious substance of menis tothe diligent.
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