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PROVIDENCE AND THE PROFIT OF DILIGENCE (1)
TUESDAY, JULY 23
Ruth 2:13-17

Proverbs 10:1-6

 

“…but the hand of the

diligent maketh rich.”

 

PROVIDENCE AND THE PROFIT OF DILIGENCE (1)
 
Ruth’s decision to set out that morning to “glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace” is a decision that has many lessons for God’s children. The unfolding events of the day present to us the manifold workings of providence both for us who go out in trust and faith, and for others whom we may not know, but whose paths cross ours as we seek God’s will and providence for our lives. The Book of Proverbs speaks about the blessings and benefits of diligence in many places and some of them can be illustrated by the workings of providence on behalf of Ruth.
 
“And when she was risen up to glean…” (Ruth 2:15). This presents to us the first lesson. Providence makes provisions, but the provisions of providence are received by the righteous who serve with hands of diligence. The principle in Proverbs is that “the LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish,” yet He who feedeth the fowls of the air (Matt 6:26) does not drop the food into their mouths as they sit on their perches. The lesson from the birds on diligence has led to the English Proverb: “The early bird catches the worm.” Matthew Henry commenting on Matthew 6:26 notes, “There are various sorts of fowls, but they are all fed. It is rare that any of them perish for want of food, even in winter. You are dearer to God. He is their Master and Lord, their owner; but besides this, He is your Father. You are His children. He that feeds His birds surely will not starve His babes. They trust your Father’s providence; will you not trust it?”
 
Ruth went out trusting, and God provided exceeding abundantly above what she could have thought or expected. However, God’s provision did not fall on her lap as she sat under some shade. She rose up to glean, though she had heard words full of grace and favour. She rose up to glean even after she “did eat, and was sufficed.” She had received grace but did not abuse the grace. She was invited for a meal, but ate enough to allow her to return to work, and not to be unable to work!
 
THOUGHT: “He who feeds His birds surely will not starve His babes.”

PRAYER: Father, help me to always do my best as I trust in Thee.

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