“These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out” (Proverbs 25:1).

Often history records only the leaders and superstars of a given era. Yet every venture of any significance has a supporting cast of faithful individuals who are diligently serving outside of the limelight.

Christ made special mention of such diligence amidst menial responsibility: “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

The job of a scribe was just such a menial job. His name was never associated with a great prophecy, nor did he preach before the crowds. Yet if it were not for these diligent copiers, we would not have the additional Proverbs of Solomon (chapters 25–29) passed down to us today. Such sublime passages as Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish” would be unknown!

II Chronicles 29 records how Hezekiah rejected the wicked legacy of idolatry, reopened the temple of God and encouraged the Levites: “My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him” (II Chronicles 29:11). Perhaps some of those listed in verses 12–14 were the scribes that copied out these Proverbs. Later, Hezekiah’s great grandson would find a copy of God’s word in the temple and it would inspire revival in that generation (34:14).

The Bible states that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable . . .” (II Timothy 3:16). Our text verse is profitable to remind us of the importance of being diligent in simple activities, such as sharing a verse with those around us that we may pass along the torch of truth to another generation. DW