Hard work, efficiency, and mastery of a craft naturally draw attention. Dedication to excellence acts as a key to rising in society, lifting a person out of poverty and obscurity and placing them among the great.
The primary approach among commentators is that when an individual becomes highly skilled and quick in their work, leaders and royalty will actively seek out their services. Because of their exceptional talent, they are brought into inner circles to handle royal affairs. Consequently, this master artisan is protected from poverty and will not have to spend time working for the foolish or the impoverished [רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ, עמנואל הרומי]. Even if this person does not reach the royal palace itself, their diligence guarantees they will at least serve high-ranking officials and avoid falling to the level of serving the lowest members of society [אלשיך].
A symbolic contrast highlights these two ends of the social spectrum. Royalty and nobility are associated with light, while the lowly and obscure are compared to darkness [מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ]. There is a deeper reason why a master craftsman does not work for those in the dark. It is not merely a matter of preference, but a practical impossibility. Simple, unrefined people only understand crude labor; they completely lack the capacity to recognize or appreciate delicate, wondrous artistry [מלבי״ם].
Beyond the practical world of physical labor, this concept extends into the spiritual and moral realms. When searching for wisdom, a sharp and diligent person will not waste time on endless, basic preliminary studies. Instead, they will focus their energy on true divine wisdom, exploring the reality of God and His holy angels [עמנואל הרומי].
Another perspective views a person's true craft in this world as the service of God through the fulfillment of His commandments. Someone who is wise and quick in serving the Great King will never lower themselves to serve mere materialism or their base, animalistic desires. Just as commoners cannot grasp the beauty of fine art, those who are entirely absorbed in the darkness of the material world are simply unable to appreciate the refined, spiritual craft of one who serves God [מלבי״ם].