Timeless Wisdom From ProverbsSample

You may think people are successful because of their family connections, inherited wealth, talent, or good luck. But the Bible says no. What makes the difference between successful and unsuccessful people in life is persistence.

What is persistence? Persistence is the courage to continue pursuing your dream in spite of unexpected setbacks, undeserved criticism, and unrelenting hard work.

Look at what the book of Proverbs says about persistence. A synonym in the Bible for “persistence” is “diligence.” Proverbs 10:4–5 (NASB95) says, “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.” Foolish people think that opportunities in life are like trains: “No big deal; there’ll be another one.” But the diligent person takes advantage of opportunities while he still can.

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon had a lot to say about the benefits of persistence:

• “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor” Proverbs12:24 (NASB95).
• “The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, so he begs during the harvest and has nothing” Proverbs 20:4 (NASB95).
• “The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, for his hands refuse to work; all day long he is craving, while the righteous gives and does not hold back” Proverbs 21:25–26 (NASB95).

Do you desire to be successful in your business? Do you desire to be successful in your family? Do you want to have financial stability? Do you want to improve the most important relationship of all—your relationship with God? The key is persistence.

Notice that the contrast Solomon draws in Proverbs is not between the gifted and the ungifted, the lucky and the unlucky, the beautiful and ugly, or the rich and the poor. The contrast is between the persistent person and the lazy person. That is the difference. If you want to be successful in life, expect to work hard and be persistent.