PursuingYHWH

Poor is one who works with a negligent hand,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverbs 10:4 (NASB)

Lazy people are soon poor;
hard workers get rich.
Proverbs 10:4 (NLT)

Both translations get the point across, but the first, NASB version is easier for me understand.

Poor is interpreted from the Hebrew word רוּשׁ rûwsh, roosh; a primitive root; to be destitute:—lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). (Blue Letter Bible).

Negligent is interpreted from the Hebrew word רְמִיָּה rᵉmîyâh, rem-ee-yaw’; from H7411; remissness, treachery:—deceit(-ful, -fully), false, guile, idle, slack, slothful. (Blue Letter Bible)

I understand this to mean if I’m deceitful, tricky, slacking, avoiding work, lazy, watching youtube or something on my phone when I should be working, this is lazy. Interesting it’s not just when I’m just slacking but if I’m being deceptive or deceiving as well. Like watching Netflix on my phone while I’m logged into to work and am supposed to be getting things done. Ouch.

If I’m negligent in my work, the payoff is I’ll be lacking, in need of – poor.

I don’t want to be poor.

BUT the hand of the diligent…

Diligent is interpreted from the Hebrew word חֲרוּץ chărûwts, khaw-roots’; or חָרֻץ châruts; passive participle of H2782; properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp teeth); (figuratively) determination; also eager:—decision, diligent, (fine) gold, pointed things, sharp, threshing instrument, wall.

We see the definitions/uses here as determined, eager, decision – I take this as being driven, decisive, focused on doing the task at hand well and thoroughly.

But the hand of the diligent makes rich

Makes rich is a phrase interpreted from the Hebrew word עָשַׁר ʻâshar, aw-shar’; a primitive root; properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich:—be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 margin). See H6240. (Blue Letter Bible)

If I am determined, diligent, and focused on doing an excellent job at my work, I will accumulate, grow, increase. This diligence pays off in enriching my life.

How?

More job/career opportunities, income, efficiencies, fulfillment, satisfaction, acknowledgement, attention, honor, credit, new opportunities, connections, friendship, leadership capital, etc.

As a disciple of Jesus, we should be diligent in our work, not lazy, and a blessing God promises us is that we will increase as a result of this work.

When the blessings come, we will receive attention, accolades, more money, more opportunities, we will be tested.

When the spotlight is on us, this is an opportunity to point everyone to Jesus – how?

By giving Him all the credit, honor, and glory He deserves.

By quoting this verse – Proverbs 10:4.

This points others to God’s Word. To God’s truth. To God’s love.

Keep at it.

The diligent work you do when no one (on earth) is watching is your opportunity to excel in the quiet.

And the payout is guaranteed because it is God’s Word that says it.

Keep pushing forward.

Be determined, decisive, and eager to excel in your daily tasks at work and at home.

You will reap the blessings of His promise.

Your brother in the trenches with you,

Dave