KJV ORIGINAL
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Hard-working people will become leaders, but lazy people will end up serving others.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse teaches that diligent work leads to leadership and success, while laziness results in being controlled by others.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb was written during ancient Israel's monarchical period when social mobility was possible through hard work and wisdom. In that agricultural society, diligent farmers and craftsmen could rise to positions of influence, while lazy individuals often became indentured servants or were forced to pay heavy taxes to support others.
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