“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” ~Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” ~Proverbs 21:5
A very wise saying and pretty self-explanatory for daily life. No one can argue with that. I’d like to take this way way back in history to see how being diligent highlights Christ.
First of all, the definition: characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic done in a careful and detailed way.
Noah: He could BE the definition of diligent. Following God’s detailed plan to build the ark, taking what scholars think was about 120 years. He trusted God implicitly, just like Jesus.
“Because Noah had faith, he was warned about something that had not yet happened. He obeyed and built a boat that saved him and his family. In this way the people of the world were judged, and Noah was given the blessings that come to everyone who pleases God.” ~Hebrews 11:7
Job: He suffered through about just about everything - loss of children, property, wealth, home and health. But he never lost his faith. Oh, he complained and had a giant pity-party. He yelled at God. He wanted to die. But, through it all, his faith remained intact. Just like Jesus.
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God” ~Job 19:25-26
Moses: He grew up in royal wealth and splendor, next in line to be Pharaoh, but he left it all to lead his people to the promised land. Just like Jesus.
“He thought it was better to suffer for the Messiah than to have all the treasures of Egypt. He was waiting for the reward that God would give him.
Moses left Egypt because he had faith. He was not afraid of the king's anger. He continued strong as if he could see the God no one can see. “ ~Hebrews 11:26-27
Esther: She was gifted with a beauty and poise that allowed her access to the king. She put her life on the line to save her people. Just like Jesus.
“Then Queen Esther answered, "If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, Your Majesty, spare my life. That is my request. And spare the life of my people. That is what I ask for.” ~Esther 7:3
We can also be just like Jesus. When we are filled with His Spirit, we LIVE those fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, etc. That diligence makes us like Him.
