The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
The hand of the ready worker will have authority, but he who is slow in his work will be put to forced work.
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule - And why? because by his own industry he is independent; and every such person is respected wherever found.
Under tribute - The comparison is probably suggested by the contrast between the condition of a conquered race (compare Joshua 16:10; Judges 1:30-33), and that of the freedom of their conquerors from such burdens. The proverb indicates that beyond all political divisions of this nature there lies an ethical law. The "slothful" descend inevitably to pauperism and servitude. The prominence of compulsory labor under Solomon 1 Kings 9:21 gives a special significance to the illustration.