Proverbs 24 - 8.4.25
Scripture
Proverbs 24:32-34 NIV
“I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
Observation
In these verses, King Solomon shares his wisdom of what he has observed and learned in life. And the lesson King Solomon is trying to teach the reader is that laziness leads to poverty. Just as a neglected field and vineyard become overgrown with weeds and fall into ruin-(vs.30-31), a life of idleness leads to a life of poverty and hardships. These verses serves as a warning against procrastination and the importance of being diligent and working hard to live a prosperous life.
Application
If we’re not careful, laziness can ruin every aspect of our life.
Let’s start off with how it can affect us financially. Obviously if we don’t work, we don’t eat.
“Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” -2 Thessalonians 3:10b
Meaning, if we’re too lazy to get a job, or too lazy to show up to work, how else can we expect to obtain any finances to buy necessities in life like food, shelter, and clothing? I always find it funny that the lazy people I come across in life quite often have these HUGE aspirations for success, but aren’t willing to make the sacrifices and work for it.
“Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.” -Proverbs 21:25
Laziness can also affect our physical health. I hate to admit it, but this is my struggle in life. I mean, once I get home from a hard day at work, that’s a wrap for me! Exercise is the last thing on my mind. Combine that with unhealthy eating habits and that’s a recipe for disaster! Next thing you know, you’re 20-50 pounds overweight and you start developing diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes and are prone to get gout attacks. Ouch! I’m sure it doesn’t get any better as you get older; because you start running the risk of all these back and joint pains, but worst of all, you run the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Talk about life ruining events. It’s definitely something we can’t overlook.
Finally, and most importantly, laziness can affect us spiritually. Whether we are procrastinating on having that relationship with Jesus and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior or simply being lazy and holding off spending time with God through prayer, reading His Word, and going to church, these bad habits of spiritual laziness can have eternal consequences. Holding off until the last minute in deciding to follow Jesus is scary game of “Russian Roulette”. Tomorrow is never guaranteed for us. Each day is a gift from God. So, it’s best we make the best of our decisions or we may end up forever separated from God’s light and His presence (the definition of Hell). Don’t put spending time with Him on the back burner either. If God is truly #1 in our lives, we will prioritize spending time with Him over anything else. If we get too lazy and nonchalant about it, we are more prone for attacks by the enemy. The enemy is ready to pounce on us because his sole mission is to steal, kill, and destroy-(John 10:10).
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” -1 Peter 5:8
So, take it from King Solomon: Don’t be lazy! Don’t let laziness be the ruin of you. Be strong and courageous. Keep up the good work. Keep the faith! 💪🏽🙏🏽
Prayer
Father God, thank You for blessing me with all the gifts and talents, the strength to work, and the will to see it through. Help me to be a good steward of every aspect of the things I wrote about this morning. Forgive me for being lazy and neglecting my physical health. Give me the will power to do better. Help me to work hard in every aspect of life and to do it in a way that honors You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi