Proverbs 12:24
Hard work brings leadership, but laziness brings slavery.
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
In Context
23If you're sensible, you don't show off your knowledge, but stupid people announce their stupidity.
25If you're anxious, you're weighed down, but an encouraging word will cheer you up.
Cross References
Genesis 49:15He sees that the place where he's resting is good, and the land is lovely, so he's willing to lower his back to accept the burden and to work as a slave.
1 Kings 11:28Jeroboam was a man of ability, and when Solomon realized how successful he was in what he did, he placed him in command of all the forced labor of the tribes of Joseph.
Proverbs 10:4Lazy hands make you poor, but hard-working hands make you rich.
Proverbs 13:4Lazy people want a lot, but get nothing; if you work hard you'll be well rewarded.
Proverbs 19:15Lazy people are often fast asleep, but idleness means they're hungry.
Proverbs 22:13Lazy people make claims like, “There's a lion outside! I might be killed if I go out there!”
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 12:24
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. Note, 1. He that is wise does not affect to proclaim his wisdom, and it is his honour that he does not. He communicates his knowledge when it may turn to the edification of others, but he conceals it when the showing of it would only tend to his own commendation. Knowing men, if they be prudent men, will carefully avoid every thing that savours of ostentation, and not take all occasions to show their learning and reading, but… Read the whole commentary →