Text: Proverbs 22:28–29
*“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
Introduction
Work is one of God’s gifts to man. From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, Adam was given the responsibility to “dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Work is not a curse; it is part of God’s divine plan for man’s fulfillment and stewardship. But beyond simply working, the Bible calls us to be diligent in our work. Diligence means steady, consistent, careful, and persistent effort. It is the difference between mediocrity and excellence, between obscurity and recognition.
In Proverbs 22:28–29, Solomon ties two truths together: (1) respecting boundaries and integrity in work, and (2) the elevation that comes through diligence. These verses remain highly relevant in our modern world where shortcuts, laziness, and lack of accountability often prevail.
1. Respecting Boundaries – The Principle of Integrity (v. 28)
“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”
In ancient Israel, landmarks were stones placed to mark property boundaries. Moving them was an act of theft and dishonor. Applied to our lives today, this teaches:
- Integrity in Work: We must not cheat in our duties, falsify reports, or manipulate results to gain advantage. A diligent person is also an honest person. (Proverbs 11:1 – “A false balance is abomination to the Lord.”)
- Respect for God’s Order: The “ancient landmarks” also represent God’s timeless principles – honesty, faithfulness, discipline, accountability. These values should not be discarded because of modern trends.
- Guarding Trust: Once lost, trust is difficult to regain. A worker who respects boundaries preserves his testimony and earns the confidence of leaders and colleagues.
2. Diligence – The Pathway to Elevation (v. 29)
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
Diligence attracts recognition and honor. This is a biblical law of success. Let us break it down:
(a) Diligence in Small Things
Luke 16:10 – “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
Promotion begins with how we handle little responsibilities. The one who takes care of small tasks with seriousness will eventually be entrusted with bigger opportunities.
(b) Excellence vs. Mediocrity
Diligence produces excellence. Excellence stands out. Kings and leaders are drawn to excellent people because they solve problems, bring value, and can be trusted with important matters.
(c) Diligence is a Witness
Colossians 3:23–24 teaches us to work “heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men.” Diligence in our daily work is a testimony of our faith. People see Christ in the way we handle responsibilities.
👉🏽 Examples from Scripture:
- Joseph – From slave to governor, because he was diligent in Potiphar’s house, in prison, and in Pharaoh’s court (Genesis 39–41).
- Daniel – Distinguished himself above others through diligence; no fault was found in him (Daniel 6:3–4).
- David – Faithful in keeping sheep, and later entrusted with leading Israel.
3. The Fruits of Diligence
A diligent worker enjoys multiple benefits:
- Recognition and Promotion: Leaders notice and reward diligent workers.
- Influence and Impact: Diligence opens doors to sit among decision-makers.
- Fulfillment and Growth: Consistent hard work sharpens skills, builds confidence, and leads to mastery.
- Divine Favor: God blesses the work of diligent hands (Proverbs 10:4 – “The hand of the diligent maketh rich.”).
4. Practical Applications for Today
How can we apply diligence in our daily lives?
- Time Management: Avoid procrastination. Respect deadlines. Use time wisely.
- Continuous Improvement: Learn new skills, update knowledge, and pursue growth.
- Commitment to Excellence: Don’t just do enough to get by; aim to exceed expectations.
- Integrity at Work: Avoid dishonesty, plagiarism, or cutting corners.
- Consistency in Effort: Show up daily with discipline, not only when someone is watching.
- Work-Life Balance: True diligence is not working endlessly without rest; it is working effectively and with wisdom.
5. Warnings Against Laziness
The opposite of diligence is slothfulness. The Bible strongly warns against laziness:
- Proverbs 6:6 – “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”
- Proverbs 24:30–34 – Laziness leads to poverty.
- Ecclesiastes 10:18 – Neglect brings decay.
Laziness closes doors, but diligence opens them.
Conclusion
Proverbs 22:28–29 reminds us that integrity and diligence are inseparable keys to success. When we respect boundaries, hold firmly to godly values, and commit ourselves to consistent excellence, we set ourselves apart for honor.
Diligence may not always bring immediate results, but it guarantees lasting success. Just as Joseph, Daniel, and David were elevated through diligence, so can we stand before “kings” – in boardrooms, offices, and nations.
Prayer
Father, give me the grace to be diligent in all my work. Help me to resist laziness, shortcuts, and compromise. Make me faithful in little things, consistent in effort, and steadfast in integrity, so that I may stand before kings and bring glory to Your name, in Jesus’ name. Amen.