Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 12:24

"The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork." — Proverbs 12:24 (ASV)

Under tribute.— Like the descendants of the Amorites and other former inhabitants of Canaan, by whose forced labour Solomon executed his great works (1 Kings 9:20–21). A Hebrew from poverty might be reduced to slavery (Leviticus 25:39).