Proverbs 12:24 kjv

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

Proverbs 12:24 nkjv

The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 12:24 niv

Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

Proverbs 12:24 esv

The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 12:24 nlt

Work hard and become a leader;
be lazy and become a slave.

Proverbs 12 verses

Proverbs 12 24 Meaning

The hand of the diligent, characterized by hard work and consistent effort, will naturally rise to a position of leadership, influence, and mastery over circumstances. Conversely, the slothful and idle person will find themselves subjected to forced labor, dependence, or oppressive conditions as a consequence of their lack of effort. This proverb articulates a foundational principle of cause and effect in human endeavor, asserting that industriousness leads to autonomy and advancement, while idleness leads to servitude and hardship.

Proverbs 12 24 Context

Proverbs 12 belongs to a larger section (chapters 10-29) consisting of collections of individual proverbs, often contrasting a wise person with a fool, a righteous person with a wicked one, or positive actions with negative consequences. This chapter specifically highlights distinctions between the righteous and the wicked, particularly in their words, deeds, and their impact on their lives and communities. Verse 24, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor," serves as a practical, experiential truth within this moral framework, illustrating the natural outcomes of character and work ethic. In the ancient Near East, the concepts of "ruling" (radah) often extended beyond political leadership to general dominance, influence, and self-mastery, while "forced labor" (mas) frequently implied conscription into difficult, subservient, and often economically disadvantaged positions, as experienced by debtors or subjugated peoples. This proverb thus reflects the social realities and wisdom observed in daily life, underscoring personal responsibility and divine order.

Proverbs 12 24 Word analysis

• The hand (יַד - yad): Symbolically represents action, effort, agency, and power. It signifies the practical application of one's ability and energy.

• of the diligent (חָרוּץ - charuts): Meaning industrious, sharp, active, assiduous. It describes someone who is zealous, keen, and persistent in their work, often implying a cutting or decisive effectiveness in their efforts.

• will rule (תִּרְדֶּה - tirde): From the verb radah, meaning to rule, reign, have dominion, govern, or prevail. It suggests rising to a position of authority, mastery over one's circumstances, and influence rather than being subjected to others.

• but the slothful (רְמִיָּה - remiyah): Meaning laxity, slackness, idleness, negligence. It denotes a person characterized by laziness, inefficiency, or remissness in duties. It conveys a sense of loose, unproductive behavior.

• will be put to forced labor (לָמַס יִהְיֶה - la-mas yihyeh): Literally "to tribute he will be."

  • מַס (mas): Signifies tribute, forced labor, conscripted service, or a task force. It was exacted from conquered peoples or subjects for public works or as a form of subjugation.
  • יִהְיֶה (yihyeh): Meaning "he will be" or "it will be."The entire phrase signifies falling into a state of involuntary servitude, hardship, or subjection to the will of others due to one's own negligence, losing autonomy.

• Words-group analysis

  • "The hand of the diligent": Emphasizes the active agency and sustained effort of a hardworking individual. It is the practical, productive energy they exert.
  • "will rule": Describes the outcome of such diligence: attainment of a position of authority, self-mastery, and the ability to direct one's own path and influence others, as opposed to being controlled.
  • "but the slothful": Creates a sharp contrast, introducing the antithetical character—one marked by passivity and avoidance of effort.
  • "will be put to forced labor": Details the consequence of sloth: falling into a state of involuntary work, subjugation, dependency, or burdensome toil, often a result of poverty, debt, or lack of skill leading to exploitation.

Proverbs 12 24 Bonus section

This proverb implicitly counters deterministic worldviews prevalent in ancient cultures that attributed outcomes solely to fate or capricious gods. Instead, it places emphasis on human responsibility and character as key drivers of destiny within a divinely ordered universe. It affirms the biblical ethic of work, which, from Genesis onward, portrays labor not as a curse but as a virtuous activity foundational to human flourishing (Gen 2:15, Ex 20:9). The "rule" that comes to the diligent is not necessarily worldly power but an influence derived from demonstrated competence and reliability. This proverb serves as both a powerful incentive for diligent living and a sober warning against the perils of idleness, highlighting the dignity of productive labor and the ignominy of shirking responsibility.

Proverbs 12 24 Commentary

Proverbs 12:24 provides a straightforward principle linking personal initiative to one's status in life. It reveals that the world, generally operating under divine design, rewards proactive engagement and penalizes passive neglect. Diligence, characterized by purposeful, persistent effort, leads to a posture of ascendancy—whether that's self-mastery, influence, leadership in a career, or financial independence. This "ruling" reflects a natural consequence of becoming competent, trustworthy, and capable through hard work. Conversely, the slothful person, by neglecting responsibilities and avoiding effort, inevitably cedes control over their life and circumstances. They may become reliant on others, economically vulnerable, or find themselves performing unpleasant tasks merely for survival, a metaphorical (or sometimes literal) form of "forced labor." The proverb doesn't suggest an instant magical outcome, but rather outlines a general pattern of cause and effect evident across generations and cultures. This principle resonates not only in material or societal advancement but also in spiritual life: diligence in pursuing God yields spiritual dominion, while spiritual laziness leads to bondage and fruitlessness.