Proverbs diligence and laziness in contrast to wisdom and folly Essay

Proverbs diligence and laziness in contrast to wisdom and folly - Essay Example Through such an informed understanding, it is the hope of this particular author that the reader will gain a more informed understanding with respect to the differentials between laziness and diligence that are represented within the Bible. Perhaps the most famous quote from Proverbs that discusses the differential between laziness and diligence is as follow:" Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich." (Proverbs 10:4) Naturally, this text is not the only one within the book of Proverbs that deals with the issue of diligence as compared to laziness. Only two chapters later, Solomon has the following to say on this topic, â€Å"Work hard and become a leader;  be lazy and become a slave† (Proverbs 12:24). Finally, Solomon states, â€Å"Lazy people want much but get little,  but those who work hard will prosper† (Proverbs 13:4) The take away from each of these texts has to do with the fact that the positive attributes of diligence not only are rewarded after death; instead, they builds wealth, strength, and virtue within the immediate life of the individual who practices them.1 In seeking to analyze this particular dichotomy, the text in question An Essence of the Old Testament has the following to say regarding laziness: â€Å"Lazy behavior results in poverty while diligence results in wealth; however, poverty may also result from corruption and injustice†.2 This is a unique dynamic to discuss due to the fact that wealth is not always seen in terms of a positive connotation within the Hebrew Bible. Oftentimes, the wealthy are cast as those who are the farthest removed from the possibility of grace; as a direct result of their oftentimes arrogant attitudes.3 In helping to explicate this dichotomy to an even further degree, the authors of the text go on to note, â€Å"Proverbs contains a balanced view of wealth and poverty. Some