The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Hard-working people will become leaders, but lazy people will end up serving others.
This verse teaches that diligent work leads to leadership and success, while laziness results in being controlled by others.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, during the time of King Solomon, the Book of Proverbs was compiled as a collection of wisdom sayings to guide people in practical living and moral decision-making, drawing from everyday experiences in a society that valued hard work and responsibility. This verse highlights the cultural reality that diligence often led to leadership and prosperity, while laziness resulted in subservience or dependency, reflecting the agrarian economy where personal effort directly impacted one's social standing. Such teachings were intended to promote wise behavior for individual and communal flourishing.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.