The Power of Diligence

Matthew Akinola

Welcome, and thank you for tuning in to Eternal Words. I'm your host, Matthew, and it's always such a blessing to share this time with you as we explore the depths of scripture and its application in our daily lives. Today, we’re going to delve into a topic that is so vital and yet, I think, often underestimated: the power of diligence and the rewards it brings. We’ll be looking at a few verses from Proverbs, as well as a passage from Hebrews, to better understand what it means to live a diligent life, both practically and spiritually. But first, let’s bow our heads for a brief prayer.

Matthew Akinola

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this moment, for this opportunity to gather—even across distances—and reflect on Your Word. We ask that You illuminate our hearts and minds as we talk about diligence. Help us not just to understand but to apply these truths in our lives, for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Matthew Akinola

Now, let’s begin with Proverbs 10:4, which says, "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse contrasts two very different paths: one of laziness, which leads to lack, and the other of diligence, which brings abundance. And when we think of laziness—or slothfulness, as the Bible often describes it—we’re not just talking about someone who refuses to work. It can also be seen in habits like procrastination or neglecting the things that require our attention. How often do we put things off or avoid taking that next step, knowing it’s what we need to do?

Matthew Akinola

On the other hand, diligent hands—what does that mean? It’s more than just working hard. It’s about perseverance. It’s about planning, paying attention to the details, and being consistent. For example, I remember a time in my life where I took on a challenging project at work. Honestly, it seemed overwhelming at first, but by breaking it down into smaller parts and staying committed, I was able to see it through. And the sense of accomplishment and the trust it built with my colleagues—it was worth every effort.

Matthew Akinola

Now let’s turn to Proverbs 12:24: "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." Here, the word "rule" might make us think of power or authority, but it’s about more than that. It’s about having control—over our time, our finances, our decisions. It’s about being in a position where we can lead and influence, both in practical ways and in God’s kingdom.

Matthew Akinola

You see, diligence leads to trust and opportunities. People respect and rely on those who are consistent and hardworking. In contrast, laziness—or a lack of initiative—often leads to a life where one feels stuck, constantly reacting instead of leading. And in a spiritual sense, this diligence calls us to serve faithfully. Are we diligent in our prayer life? Do we study the Bible with intention? These are questions worth asking ourselves.

Matthew Akinola

Proverbs 14:23 then reminds us, "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." And profit here isn’t just about money. It could be spiritual growth, as we see the fruits of our labor in our character and relationships. It could be the sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing we’ve given our best. But "mere talk"—that’s where we need to be cautious. How often do we make plans or promises, but fail to act on them? Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or a goal we’ve set, without diligence, those words remain empty.

Matthew Akinola

Finally, let’s look at Hebrews 11:6, which tells us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. let me read it to you -But without faith, impossible to please for he who comes to God must believe that He is and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him This verse reminds us that diligence isn’t just about our work or our day-to-day; it’s about our relationship with God. Seeking Him consistently, even when it feels hard, is an act of faith—and He honors that.

Matthew Akinola

So, as we close, let’s take a moment to reflect: What area in your life needs more diligence? Is it in your work, your relationships, or perhaps your spiritual walk? in mine it's phone calls, I struggle to call friends and family and even if they call me first I still struggle to return their call, that is where I will be working on being diligent. I want to encourage you, starting today, to take one small step toward being more intentional and committed in that area. And always remember, our efforts are never in vain. God sees and blesses the work of our hands. If you have any questions or comments, add them to the section below. send this to as many that you know might benefit

Matthew Akinola

Let’s end with a short prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, for the lessons on diligence and its rewards. We ask for strength to remain steadfast in all we do and to seek You diligently in everything. May our efforts bring glory to Your name and blessings to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matthew Akinola

And that’s all for today’s episode. Thank you for journeying with me through this topic of diligence. I hope you found it inspiring and encouraging. Until next time, stay blessed and stay diligent!