1. The MAIN point of this proverb is the results of “diligence.” Thus, the meaning of this term is crucial to understand the proverb.

2. Diligence:

a. Four occurrences; Authorized Version translates as “ready” twice, “diligent” once, and “hasting” once.

b. Strong’s gives this term two meanings:
• Quick, prompt,
• Skilled,

c. Dictionary of Biblical Languages: Also gives it two meanings:
• Skilled, well-versed; experienced; i.e., having the knowledge and skill in a subject.
» Ezra 7:6 – Ezra was a “ready” scribe (same word = skilled).

• Expeditious; i.e., pertaining to executing an action in a prompt and prudent manner, implying rapidity and diligence to the task.

d. These two definitions are not unrelated. One who is skilled in an area usually is able to work more rapidly and get more done than someone who is just learning a trade.

e. The emphasis of the term translated “diligence” is not so much on how HARD the person works, but rather on his skill and ease, and quickness in accomplishing a task.

f. For example, a young, inexperienced man may work twice as hard at chopping wood as his father. He may sweat more, burn more calories, and put more effort into the work. But his more experienced father knows enough to stop and sharpen his ax, so that each swing is more efficient. The father may have more skill in swinging the ax and knowing where and how to strike the wood. He knows the best way to work through a piece of oak as opposed to a piece of elm. Thus, even though the son may be as diligent and HARD working as his father, the experienced father gets more work done and easier—because of his skill and wisdom.

g. This is the distinction in the term translated “diligence” here.

• Both meanings refer to the same thing: (1) Skill and (2) Pertaining to executing an action in a prompt and prudent manner, implying rapidity and diligence to the task.
• Skill and rapidity are not actually two DIFFERENT concepts here, but the two concepts are woven into one word.
• In some contexts the emphasis may be on the speed of the word done, and in other contexts the emphasis may be on the skill employed.
• In our proverb, since there is no context, the author may have intended us to understand the term in the BROAD sense, including both skill and speed in accomplishing a task.

3. In his business:

a. Strong’s: Occupation; work; business.

b. Dictionary of Biblical Languages: (1) Work; i.e., that which is done, workmanship; i.e., the result of one’s work… craftsmanship. (Ex.35:31)

c. This term is used of God’s creative “work,” of craftsmanship in building the furniture for the tabernacle, in agriculture, and for one’s personal property.

d. It is broad enough to include every kind of work.

4. Thus, a man who is “diligent in his business” is a man who is experienced in his field; he does not procrastinate, is quick to get the job done, and is therefore able to accomplish much and to do so at a high level of craftsmanship—regardless of the type of business.

a. You don’t get to that stage of workmanship by being lazy.

b. It does require diligence to attain that level of proficiency and expertise.

c. When someone is really good at something, they make it look easy. If you have ever seen a skilled singer, violinist, or skier, or golfer, or a gymnast—they always make it look easy, almost effortless.

d. What you didn’t see was of a life of diligence, training, practice, failures, tenacity, and all the blood, sweat, and tears involved in achieving their expertise.

e. Because he was diligent in his business, he is able to accomplish a lot with relative ease.

f. The lazy man would love to be able to accomplish as much with that kind of ease—but the lazy man is not willing to accept the fact that the “ease” is preceded by years of practice and training.

g. The lazy man wants the ease without the diligence… and it doesn’t happen.

5. SEE this man.

a. Solomon tells us to SEE (look; behold; observe) this man.

b. Pay attention to him…

c. Prov. 24:22 – Here the author tells us to “see” (observe with careful attention to detail) the lazy man’s overgrown farm.

d. There are things to be learned by observing different kinds of men… both the diligent and lazy. Good lessons can be seen in both of them.

e. First the author commands his readers to SEE the man who is diligent in his business.
• Think about HOW he got there.
• Think about what was involved in achieving such skill and proficiency.
• Think about all the labor and practice required to reach that level.

f. Some men might observe that skilled man and conclude, “It’s not worth it. It COST him too much to get there. I don’t want to have to do all that work. I don’t want to have to go through all that training. I want to take the easy way NOW and avoid the hard work of school, training, and practice.”

g. The purpose of this proverb is to convince the lazy man that all the hard work and practice IS worth it in the long run.