Date: Tuesday, 10th November, 2026
Text: Proverbs 22:29
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
Anything of value does not come cheap; so is success. There is always a price to pay. One of the prices of good success is diligence — consistent hard work. No success for the lazy! As the Scripture says, “He that does not work should not eat.”
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Proverbs 22:29). Success requires sacrifice. You may have to sacrifice some sleep (Proverbs 6:10–11) and other pleasures to achieve your desired outcome. Invest in your dreams. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:6).
Develop yourself; invest in new skills; make yourself valuable; and learn to delay gratification. “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame” (Proverbs 10:4–5). Do not expect a harvest where you have made no investment.
Stop giving excuses! If you fail, find out why, learn from the experience and try again with a new method. Diligence is not merely working hard; it is remaining committed, improving your approach and refusing to give up on worthwhile goals. Success has a price tag; you must be willing to pay the price.
Prayer Nugget: Father, deliver me from laziness, excuses and the habit of procrastination. Give me the discipline to work diligently, the wisdom to invest in my future and the strength to remain consistent until I achieve good success, in Jesus’ name.
Bible in One Year: John 20–21