Proverbs 12:24 - Homilies By E. Johnson

2. The promotion of the diligent and the subjection of the slothful

I. THE DILIGENT RISE IN LIFE . This is too obvious to need insisting upon. But often, when wonder is expressed at the rise of ordinary men, this solution may be recurred to. As a rule, it is not the greatest wits who fill the high places of the realm, but the greatest workers.

II. HE ONLY IS FIT TO GOVERN WHO HAS BEEN WILLING TO SERVE . For in truth the spirit of the true servant and that of the true ruler are alike in principle; it is respect for law, for right beyond and above self-will and self-interest, which animates both. If this has been proved in the trials of an inferior situation, its genuineness has been discovered, and it becomes a title to promotion. Abraham's servant ( Genesis 24:2 , Genesis 24:10 ) and Joseph ( Genesis 39:4 , Genesis 39:22 ) are illustrations from patriarchal life.

III. THE SLOTHFUL DECAY . This too is obvious. But perhaps we often fail to fix the stigma of sloth in the right place. Many busy, energetic, fussy people miscarry because their activity is ill-placed. To neglect one's proper vocation anal work is idleness, no matter what may be the uncalled for activity in other directions.—J.