Proverbs 10:4 He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich. I. The industrious man ACCOMPLISHES VERY MANY THINGS WHICH ARE PROFITABLE TO HIMSELF AND OTHERS IN NUMBERLESS RESPECTS. How many of his own wants and those of others does he not thus relieve! How many sources of welfare does he not open to himself and others! II. If the industrious man executes many useful matters, HE EXECUTES THEM WITH FAR MORE EASE AND DEXTERITY THAN IF HE WERE NOT INDUSTRIOUS. He has no need of any long previous contest with himself. He understands, he loves the work; has a certain confidence in himself, and is more or less sure of success. III. The industrious man unfolds, exercises, PERFECTS HIS POWERS; NOT ONLY HIS MECHANICAL, BUT ALSO HIS NOBLER, HIS MENTAL POWERS. IV. The industrious man lives in the true, intimate, ENTIRE CONSCIOUSNESS OF HIMSELF, AND OF THAT WHICH HE IS AND DOES. He actually rejoices in his life, his faculties, his endowments, his time. V. The industrious man, who is so from principle and inclination, EXPERIENCES NEITHER LANGUOR NOR IRKSOMENESS. Never are his faculties, never is his time, a burden to him. VI. The industrious man has A FAR GREATER RELISH FOR EVERY INNOCENT PLEASURE, FOR EVERY RELAXATION, THAT HE ENJOYS. He alone properly knows the pleasure of rest. VII. The industrious man ALONE FULFILS THE DESIGN FOR WHICH HE IS PLACED ON EARTH, and may say so to himself, and may in the consciousness of it be contented and cheerful. (G. J. Zollikofer.) Parallel Verses KJV: He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.WEB: He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth. |
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