Diligence vs Haste: The Path to Prosperity

Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”

There are two outcomes in this Proverb, one path leads to plenty, while the other leads to poverty. The results will be determined by the one who prepared themselves and diligently executed those plans. The Bible teaches that diligence must be a defining characteristic of GOD’S children. It is not enough to simply plan; we are sometimes really good at that but there must also be a diligent effort in running the course if we are to profit from them. The other response is hastiness. Like the ant and sluggard from Proverbs 6:6-11, the diligent and hasty are likewise seen in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins of Matthew 25. The wise virgins in Matthew 25 were diligent as they brought oil in their vessels with their lamps. (Matthew 25:4)

When the bridegroom came, those who were ready (the diligent) went in with him to the wedding… (Matthew 25:10) Their diligence was to their profit, they were ready to enter.

The foolish took no oil in their vessels. (Matthew 25:3) When the bridegroom came, they were unprepared. “The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” Due to the lack of diligence, the foolish were unprepared and no doubt in haste went to buy oil. However, while they were gone the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Matthew 25:11-12

The foolish (hasty) virgins were unprepared, and the result was poverty, ruin, and loss as the door was shut. Both had planned to meet the bridegroom and enter the wedding feast, but only the diligent were successful.

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