Diligence

Diligent is defined by the New Oxford American Dictionary as having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.

At the junior rodeo this weekend, I noticed that our son – our very social, people-loving, chatty, easily distracted teenage son – when he entered the arena to prepare for his turn he was laser focused and constantly looking at and adjusting his rope.

He was being diligent because he knows that is the only path to success.

We are studying Proverbs this month as a family because January has 31 days and Proverbs has 31 chapters. Proverbs has many verses pointing to diligence. Proverbs 12:27 says in part “…but the substance of a diligent man is precious.”

We live very close to nature here. Diligence is demanded in many ways – especially while caring for animals when it’s ridiculously cold and the ice has to be broken so they can drink water.

Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying “Diligence is the mother of good luck, and God gives all things to industry. Then plow deep, while sluggards sleep, and you shall have corn to sell and to keep.”

You can read more about Benjamin Franklin’s Way to Wealth here: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/the-way-to-wealth/