He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
Proverbs 18:9 NKJV
This verse highlights the importance of diligence and the destructive consequences of laziness. Slothfulness in one’s work is not just a minor flaw; it closely aligns with wastefulness. The term “brother” implies a strong connection, showing that the lazy person and the waster share the same nature. Both cause loss and ruin through negligence or recklessness. The Bible warns that failing to act with diligence is as harmful as actively squandering resources.
A clear example of this is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. In the parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of talent before going on a journey. Upon his return, two servants wisely invest their portions and produce a fruitful return. However, the third servant, driven by fear and laziness, buries his talent and produces nothing.
The master rebukes him as “wicked and slothful” and casts him into outer darkness. This judgment shows that failing to work with what we’ve been given is destructive, like wastefulness. The unused talent could have multiplied, but inaction caused the loss. This parable illustrates that diligence leads to fruitfulness, while slothfulness invites loss.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 further echoes this message: “Because of laziness the building decays, And through idleness of hands the house leaks.” It depicts gradual but inevitable destruction, where neglect and idleness lead to ruin, much like deliberate wastefulness. Proverbs 18:9 and Ecclesiastes 10:18 stress that lack of diligence allows disorder to take root. Neglecting responsibilities invites devastation.
Diligence isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a kingdom principle. The Bible tells us that everyone has received grace—no one lacks it. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:6, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.” What matters isn’t how much grace we receive but how we use it. Grace enables success in our God-given assignments, but we must take responsibility to cultivate and multiply that grace through diligence.
Proverbs 22:29 confirms this: “Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” This verse reveals the reward of diligence—it lifts a person from obscurity to prominence, from the margins to greatness. Diligence creates opportunities, opens doors, and brings divine favour. Without it, even extraordinary grace remains dormant and unfulfilled.
In conclusion, diligence bridges grace and greatness. While grace provides gifts and opportunities, diligence ensures that people don’t waste those gifts but multiply them for God’s glory. God entrusts everyone with divine potential, and through consistent effort, we can bear lasting fruit. Let every believer strive to be diligent, knowing their labor will not be in vain. In due season, they will stand before kings, not mere men.