DCLM Higher Everyday 23 July 2026 — The Dividend Of Diligence
Topic: The Dividend Of Diligence
Bible Reading: Proverbs 10:1-5 (KJV)
1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
3The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
5He that gathereth in summeris a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
KEY VERSE: He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Proverbs 10:4).
Message
George Washington Carver wisely said, “There is no shortcut to achievement. Life requires thorough preparation, veneer isn’t worth anything.” Similarly, Thomas Edison reminds us, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Proverbs 10:4 tells us, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” This powerful verse reminds us that diligence in our work leads to rewards, while laziness brings failure.
As youths, we often face the temptation to seek shortcuts or to delay our efforts, but the Bible teaches us that true success comes from being faithful and diligent in whatever we do. Diligence means consistently putting in effort, being disciplined, and staying focused even when the results are not immediate. This teaches us that hard work during the right seasons brings success, while neglecting opportunities leads to regret. Let us be diligent in our studies and daily tasks. When we invest in smart work, we will see the fruit of our labour in time. God honours diligence and rewards those who are faithful in their efforts.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, bless my efforts to succeed.
CHALLENGE
Be diligent.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
