Seize The Opportunity
Proverbs 12 emphasises the virtues of wisdom, diligence, and integrity while contrasting them with foolishness and deceit. It highlights the importance of honest speech and the consequences of lying. The chapter underscores that hard work leads to success, while laziness brings ruin. Righteousness is portrayed as a source of life, while wickedness leads to destruction. Additionally, it illustrates how a wise person seeks knowledge, while a fool disregards instruction. Overall, it champions the values that lead to a fulfilling and prosperous life.
Riches come to those who work hard, Proverbs 12:27 AMP states, “The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey, But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognises opportunities and seizes them].”
Proverbs 12:27 (AMP) reminds us, “The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey, but the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognises opportunities and seizes them].” This verse highlights a profound truth: while many are presented with the opportunity to gather wealth and lead fulfilling lives, not everyone is willing to seize those opportunities.
Opportunity can be defined as a combination of favourable circumstances for a specific purpose, while to seize means to take possession suddenly and forcefully. In 1 Corinthians 16:9 (AMPC), Paul notes, “For a wide door of opportunity for effectual [service] has opened to me [there, a great and promising one], and [there are] many adversaries.” This underscores that with every opportunity comes challenges. Nothing of value comes easily; it requires hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Albert Einstein aptly said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
Working Hard
Working hard is rooted in our relationship with God. If we truly love Him, we will work as if we are serving Him directly. Unfortunately, I’ve often heard people express, “I only work as hard as the salary that I receive.” Many refuse to go the extra mile, preferring to achieve maximum results with minimal effort. Colossians 3:23 (ESV) exhorts us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Proverbs 12:27 (ERV) states, “Lazy people don’t get what they want, but riches come to those who work hard.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV) adds, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Moreover, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NIV) emphasises the principle of hard work: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.”
Hard Work Brings Profits. Proverbs 12:27 (MSG) declares, “A lazy life is an empty life, but ‘early to rise’ gets the job done.” This sentiment is echoed in Proverbs 10:5 (AMP): “He who gathers during summer and takes advantage of his opportunities is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps during harvest and ignores the moment of opportunity is a son who acts shamefully.” Additionally, Proverbs 14:23 (MSG) states, “Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.”
In essence, these scriptures impart a universal truth: diligence, hard work, and the willingness to seize opportunities are fundamental to achieving success and prosperity. Rooted in spiritual wisdom, they highlight the importance of effort, perseverance, and a proactive approach to life’s opportunities. As we navigate our journeys, let us remember that while opportunities may be abundant, their rewards are reaped only by those who boldly work hard and grasp them with determination.