Proverbs 12:24
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
American King James Version (AKJV)
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
American Standard Version (ASV)
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
The hand of the ready worker will have authority, but he who is slow in his work will be put to forced work.
Webster's Revision
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
World English Bible
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
English Revised Version (ERV)
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be put under taskwork.
Clarke's Proverbs 12:24 Bible Commentary
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.
Barnes's Proverbs 12:24 Bible Commentary
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.
