The Fruit of Diligence

Day Fifty-Seven

The Fruit of Diligence (Read Proverbs 21:16-31)

“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.” ~ Abigail Adams

²⁵ Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin,
    for their hands refuse to work.

²⁶ Some people are always greedy for more,
    but the godly love to give!

Proverbs 21:25-26 offers a vivid picture of two contrasting ways of life—the lazy person’s self-destructive path and the Spirit-centered life-promoting path. The lazy person is someone whose desires consume them, but not in a productive way. Instead of working to fulfill their needs, they refuse to labor, allowing their unmet desires to destroy them slowly. This observation isn’t a criticism of desire but of the refusal to put in the effort needed to turn those desires into reality.

On the other hand, the Spirit-centered person is diligent and industrious, working hard to meet their needs and have enough to share with others. Their life is marked by abundance, not just in material wealth but also in generosity. The Spirit-centered person gives freely, reflecting a heart aligned with God’s values.

This contrast reminds us of the importance of diligence in our lives. God has given us the ability to work and be productive, not only to provide for ourselves but to be a blessing to others. When we embrace hard work and generosity, we align ourselves with the Spirit-centered behavior of those living in the world of the Spirit, living in a way that reflects God’s character.

We embrace a Spirit-centered approach to life, living for God’s ambitions rather than our own. We choose to live a life of love and service, and over time, due to God’s perfect love, we are transformed from a take to a giver. Only then can we experience what it truly means to love our neighbor as ourselves.  

“What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence.” ~ Samuel Johnson

As you reflect on this proverb, consider your own life. Are there areas where you might fall into the trap of the lazy, letting desires go unmet because of a lack of effort? Or are you walking in the diligence of the Spirit-centered, living a life of love and service and allowing your resources and time to bless others? Ask God to guide you toward a life of industry and generosity, where your actions meet your needs and overflow to enrich the lives of those around you.

Diligence leads to abundance, enabling us to meet our needs and bless others. If you enjoy a blessed life, you must be a blessing to others, or you will squander the blessing. You can’t keep the blessing unless you give it away; blessings were never meant to be hoarded but always shared. 

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today’s wisdom.