Romans 12:8, Be Thou Diligent to Know the State of Thy Flocks

Romans 12:8 …he that ruleth, with diligence…

The word “rule” consist of the verb “to stand” and the preposition “before or over”. It means “to preside over” hence, to rule, to exercise spiritual leadership. These are do so with diligence. The word “diligence” means “with haste” amd “earnestness”.

Solomon’s words in Proverbs 27:23 is a good paraphrase of our text, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Charles Bridges said well, “This declareth the great goodness of God towards man, and the diligence that he requireth of him for the preservaion of his gifts. It is a lively picture of the occupations, advantages, and responsibilities of rural life in olden days. It is specially appropriate to a nation, whose chief riches were in its early origin, in pastures and flocks. Their father Jacob admirably exemplified this rule. He knew well the state of his flocks and herds. Even King David, mindful of his ancient employ, deemed a pastoral charge no degradation to his royal dignity. The rule inculcates personal attention… God is glorified by a single eye and purpose in every station; by the labourer, the farmer, the servant is no less than his master. (Col. 3:22-24). We must “serve the Lord in fervency of spirit”.”

The instruction to the kings of Israel was that they are to spend time in the diligent study of God’s Word and not be distracted that God’s fear may continually be in their hearts and he may be humble to carry out the instructions of God’s Word for the spiritual prosperity of the nation – Deuteronomy 17:18-20 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: 20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel. 

May God raised diligent leaders for the care of God’s people. Amen.