“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5).
Two common maxims are found in this proverb. The first half’s counsel has become: “Plan the work, then work the plan.” The second half’s counsel: “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”
The reason why the hasty meet with failure instead of success is because of a lack of sufficient forethought; they fail to plan. Impulsively beginning a project—like building a tower or going to war (Luke 14:28-32)—and then deciding midway into it, to sit down, count the cost, and consider whether you have the resources and capability of completing it is folly. It will surely lead to disaster—physically and spiritually (Luke 14:26-33; 9:62).
The reason why the plans of the diligent will surely lead to plenty is because he will work the plan. His plan has been prudently thought out, the cost has been counted, the resources and capabilities have been calculated and prepared, AND he is willing to provide all the “sweat equity” needed to make his plans a reality. He will diligently work the plan. He will persevere when difficulties and unanticipated contingencies arise. He will “hoe to the end of the row”. That is what the diligent do. This is why the diligent are successful and the hasty and lazy are not.
Diligently applying yourself to God’s plan for your spiritual growth and development (2 Tim. 2:15) will surely lead to a blessed life which culminates in eternal prosperity (2 Pet. 1:5-11).
