The Secret to Overcoming Any Challenge and Succeeding in Every Area of Your Life!

Do you see a man diligent in his work? He will stand before kings. – Proverbs 22:29.

This message explores the true meaning of diligence according to King Solomon, breaking the myth that being diligent is merely about working hard. Instead, diligence is about working smart, being persistent, honest, and effective, with a focus on delivering high-quality results.

Diligence also means: An acquired skill that combines creative persistence, intelligent effort, honest and timely execution, and competent performance, all directed toward achieving a pure outcome at the highest level of excellence.

Solomon associate’s diligence with two core characteristics:

Proverbs 20:11 – “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.”

• Purity: Not just in an ethical sense, but also in the excellence of the results, like gold refined through fire.

• Integrity: Acting with honesty, punctuality, competence, and efficiency.

Diligence is seen as a learned skill, accessible to anyone willing to practice it with purpose and discipline. The author illustrates this with his experience as a platoon leader, showing how extra practice and dedication led his team to victory.

Solomon Highlights Seven Rewards for the Diligent:

1. A Distinct Advantage Through Hard Work “The plans of the diligent lead to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5

2. Control Over Circumstances “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.” – Proverbs 12:24

3. Genuine Satisfaction “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” – Proverbs 13:4

4. Respect and Admiration from the Powerful “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” – Proverbs 22:29

5. Provision of Needs “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” – Proverbs 28:19

6. Gradual but Lasting Success “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” – Proverbs 13:11

7. Efforts That Always Bear Fruit “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” – Proverbs 14:23

On the other hand, the lack of diligence leads to disadvantages, impulsiveness, and financial loss. The conclusion is clear: applying diligence in any area of life yields great rewards and prevents disastrous outcomes.

#Jean Kamradt #Wisdom