๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ
โ๐๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ, ๐๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ข๐ง ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฒ.โ
It is important to remember that in all labor there is profit, as stated in Proverbs 14:23: โIn all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.โ It emphasizes the importance of hard work and the dangers of meaningless words. We live in a world that often extols easy achievement, yet true success necessitates diligence.
Diligence is a constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken, a sense of eagerness and determination in oneโs work. Today, we find ourselves in a society where conversations often overshadow actions. Proverbs 14:23 pierces through the noise, inviting us to move beyond the realm of words into the realm of fruitful labor.
Growth and achievement in professions, relationships, and spiritual life require diligence. Proverbs 12:24 declares, โThe hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.โ Here, the Word teaches us that diligence not only leads to personal profit but also positions us for leadership and influence.
Diligence is not just about doing; itโs about doing with all our might and acknowledging that the opportunity to make a difference in our labor will not be permanent. Ecclesiastes 9:10 declares, โWhatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.โ
We are called to a life of hard work and diligence as Christians Proverbs 13:4 says, โThe soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.โ. Colossians 3:23 โ24 says, โAnd whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.โ
On the other hand, Prov. 14:23 reminds us that โthe talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.โ Our words can lead to poverty, as empty words leave us with nothing to show for our efforts. While we can talk about our job skills, if weโre not willing to take action, we wonโt achieve our desired success.
James echoes Proverbs 14:23, stating that faith without actions is ineffective, emphasizing that itโs not just about what we profess but also how we live out our faith. James 2:14, 17 says, โWhat doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?โฆ Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.โ
Itโs essential that we also choose our words wisely because they can either uplift or destroy, encourage or discourage.
๐ Proverbs 15:4 โA wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.โ
๐ Proverbs 18:21 โDeath and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.โ
๐ Ephesians 4:29 โLet no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.โ
Brethren, as we meditate on Proverbs 14:23, let us be mindful of our words. Speak responsibly and support our words with action; we are a people of integrity known as the โambassadors for Christโ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are Godโs โworkmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good worksโ (Ephesians 2:10). Failing to do so, is putting the Lordโs Name at stake.
As we navigate in this chaotic world, let us heed the timeless call to diligence in Proverbs 14:23. Yet, beyond the immediate profits and earthly gains, Christ is the ultimate focus on all our labor. Proverbs 16:3 says, โCommit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.โ
May our hands be diligent, our feet be consistent, and our hearts be fervent, not just for earthly profit but to glorify the Lord our God, Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:58 โTherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.โ
Always Begin With Godโฆ
Prayer: Lord, grant us the wisdom to discern the tasks Youโve set before us. May our hands be diligent, our hearts fervent, and our actions glorifying to You. In our labor, let us find not just earthly profit but a deep connection with You. Amen.