“A lazy man does not roast his prey, but the precious possession of a man is diligence.” Proverbs 12:27, NASB
There is a certain possession that the Bible esteems as valuable, something to be desired. It is not a material treasure; it cannot be bought with worldly currency. That precious possession is diligence.
The best way I can expound upon this scripture is to share how I have witnessed this trait in the way my parents lived. To this day, they continue to amaze me beyond words. I don’t ever remember seeing them idle or wasting time. When I was growing up, I recall both of them going to work early in the morning each day. As both of them are lawyers, they had plenty of things to occupy them, but they somehow managed to come home and eat three meals with their children almost every day.
When my father was home, I remember that he would either be reading or writing. My mother incessantly tended to projects that she would follow through to completion. They were compassionate people, reaching out to help the poor and underprivileged. I remember many times when we children would have to sit squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder at the dinner table because some poor folks were invited to dine with us.
My father is now in his eighties, but he still goes to work every day: he serves the people as the oldest member of Congress in an Asian country. Surrounded with books and so many documents to read and review, he always carries a pen, a small pad of paper, or a book to read. My mother is in her late seventies, and yes, she also works at her office each day. A long time ago, when I was a little child, she started a cooperative to help and encourage poor people to save their money and to free them from the grasp of greedy usurers. What she set into motion decades ago has now grown by leaps and bounds — from a small group of less than 20 people, and now currently reaching almost a hundred thousand members.
Diligence involves perseverance, persistence, and tenacity. It is not achieved overnight, but grows through the days and through the years as it is applied. It is honoring one’s Creator with making the best use of one’s time and talents, and like the cooperative that my mother once started, through daily application, grows exponentially in value. Diligence eventually becomes a person’s precious possession where moths cannot corrupt, nor can thieves break through and steal.
lilies, sparrows and grass 
A precious post is your precious possessions post. Thank you for writing about your father and mother. They are indeed blessed. The Lord bless you and your family. Karen
Thank you so much, Karen, and the Lord bless you and your family as well. In His Love, Dee
You are so blessed to have parents who are living their “teachings”. A heart warming share. Thank you Dee.
Peace and continued blessings,
Eric
Yes I am indeed so blessed to have parents who not only “practice what they preach”, but also “preach what they practice”. Thank you, Eric, for your comment and I am blessed that this post warmed your heart. Luv and peace, Dee
I agree! Wonderful example and, yes, incessant diligence is what becomes a trustworthiness that God takes and uses for his glory & blesses another in your care, as if it were Him doing it. This was a wonderful post friend !
Thank you, Deborah. Yes, we honor God when we apply diligence in our lives, and in doing so, as you say, we become His hands and feet to ease the sufferings of mankind, and to be a vehicle of His love. Thank you for your comment and visit, my friend! Blessings to you! Dee
A wonderful and beautiful post, your family is very blessed as are you and in fact I am blessed you shared this post. I like to read such story’s as they allow me to live if even for a moment vicariously in such an environment. I can feel that love and thank you for sharing it! The virtues are a big part of what we should all embrace and make part of our beings It is an honor to see and witness such fine examples of them in use!
Your comments make my heart glad, especially knowing that you were blessed by this post. I agree, virtues are what we should embrace as we live our lives on earth. Thank you so much. God bless you! Dee
What a heritage… things that don’t spoil or waste, but are carried into generations to come … poured into lives and people … building materials which will not perish in the fire but will prove to come forth as precious stones, silver, and gold… you are blessed, sister! 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful insight on diligence, Heidi — the analogy of building materials which will not perish in the fire, coming out as precious treasures, is an inpiring picture. Thank you, sister!
I loved this story of goodness in action.. lovely lovely story, and what wonderful people… I’m sure it has rubbed off on you
Thank you, Valerie. I would be so grateful if I have imbibed a good fraction of their diligence. I appreciate your lovely comments. Dee
Wow! I want to be like that. Thank for sharing on diligence and painting a very vivid picture of what it is meant to look like…
Rolain
Hi Rolain, I am so happy this post touched you, and that you found it to be a vivid picture on diligence. You are young, and have lots of time to cultivate this precious virtue of diligence, and I am glad the story of my parents is an encouragement to you. All my best, Dee
In today’s time the need for diligence cannot be over emphasized. What our world needs are more parents like yours that will set the example of diligence for the generations that are to come. Lord bless you!
Thank you, Pastor Rob. Certainly in today’s world of instant gratification and heavy emphasis on leisure, I agree that the need for diligence cannot be over emphasized. I am thankful and blessed to have witnessed living examples of this trait of diligence which is deemed of high value in God’s Word.
beautiful! to be old and flourishing is a precious gift from God!
Thank you for the reminder of God’s promise for the righteous in Psalm 92:14, Lorna — “they shall still bring forth fruit in old age, they shall be fresh and flourishing.” This was the Psalm that I read to my Dad when I stood up to say a few words to honor him on his birthday.” Blessings, Dee
arg, i hope i didn´t sound like i was trying to remind you of anything. i LOVE what you wrote about your dear parents and that scripture just came to mind, how very good the Lord is…
Oh no, not at all, Lorna. In fact I was so thrilled with your comment because it a fitting description and we were of the same trend of thought. Love, Dee
Dee, and the apple did not fall far from the tree, as i see that same diligence that they displayed in their lives, through the plenty that you shower us with so endlessly. You have shown to be a diligent servant with the precious gift you were blessed with and your timely messages teach, and massages spirits while also refreshing the souls of many with His spiritual touch which is always present in the words you share. You have always been a wonderful blessing to me…and i will always embrace you spiritually in prayer for the treasure you bring! You emulate our Lord and your parents with the diligence alive in both! God bless!
Oh Wendell, I am so very touched by your kind and gracious words, and to know that my work on this blog and I am a blessing to you, as you are a blessing to me. God bless you!
Your stuff is artistry. Really beautiful.
Thank you, your comments are uplifting and a great encouragement.
Lucky are you and your siblings..and lucky is the Asian country that has citizens like them
Thank you, indeed my siblings and I, as well as the country I was born in are fortunate because of the impact my parents have had in our lives. Best wishes, Dee
My first time here, from a link on Eric Alagan’s Blog, when he gave you the 2013 blog award. I see why. I was blessed and edified by you sharing the teaching on diligence from real life – your parents
example, which of course is how it should be. It’s an inspiration to me as I am in my mid 70tys. I’m afraid I am not as diligent as your father and mother, I am still trying to get that virtue down. May God continue to bless you as you use the gift he has given you.
Dear Clara Betty, it is so wonderful to have you come and visit my blog. I apologize for the delayed response as I am currently traveling, and internet connectivity is very sporadic and unreliable.
Like you, I am also still trying to get that virtue of diligence down, but with God’s help, we will be able to accomplish much, one single day at a time.
I wish you God’s continued blessings in your life. I too will be visiting your blog soon. It is a blessing to meet you!
All my best,
Dee