Text: Proverbs 12:24 (ESV)   24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.   THE DILIGENT RULES   The term ‘diligent’ is related to words that imply something sharp or cutting. Thus, the impression is the diligent person refers to someone effective, in control, and is making progress. Other verses imply someone who is hardworking, in contrast to someone lazy or distracted with trivial things. These verses are; “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”[Prov 10:4]   “Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.”[Prov 12:27]   “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”[Prov 13:4]   In a lot of cases, the "diligent" worker is more likely to be promoted into positions of authority, while the lazy tend to be left to the least desirable tasks. The reason is obvious. A diligent person is more productive.   A diligent person has restraint. He rules the circumstances in which he finds himself, rather than being ruled by them. One example is the apostle Paul. He said, “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Cor 9:26–27). He continued to press on to become spiritually mature. He said, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:12-14). Even when he was under house arrest in Rome, he did not let allow these trials to dominate his thoughts and feelings. He learned to be content or strong in every situation. He claims, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Phi 4:12–13).   Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram