What Proverbs Tell Us, About Laziness vs Diligence

by Chuck Ness

When taken into context as to why so many shy away from the poor, it's usually because in the vast parts of the world a man is poor because he is lazy and never bothered to work hard enough to better his lot in life. Those closest to him understand why he is poor and they shy away from him, because a man's life is only as good as is his desire to succeed.

Laziness casts one into a deep sleep,
And an idle person will suffer hunger. (Proverb 19:15)
A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl,
And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. (Proverb 19:24)
Wealth makes many friends,
But the poor is separated from his friend. (Proverb 19:4)
All the brothers of the poor hate him;
How much more do his friends go far from him!
He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.(Proverb 19:17)

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that are those who are poor and out of sorts with no way to better themselves. However, these are the exceptions to the rule, and not the ones I speak of in this commentary. Considering the audience I am reaching, 95% of you fit into the category I am writing about.

So what of those who are good men who follow the Lord yet still have calamity visiting them? Well, I ask you to consider Job who lost everything due to no cause of his own. Like Job, men of good character who's faith is in God and do what the Lord calls them to do, will eventually rise from the dust and regain that which they lost. Through hard work and diligence they will better themselves and bless their loved ones and friends in the process. While a lazy man will just drag those around him down to his level. He will have few friends, and even his family will shy away from him.

The Scriptures have a lot to say about laziness, especially the book of Proverbs. Considering it is a book of wisdom, God warns man by offering his wisdom concerning laziness and gives examples to those who listen to His advice. If you raise your child up in the way of the Lord, then they will grow up to understand the blessings and curses that are offered in the 66 books that make up the Bible. They will grow up to become good, wise, loving children of God, while understanding;

That a lazy person hates work:
“The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor.” (Proverbs 21:25)

They love sleep:
“As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed.” (Proverbs 26:14)

They gives excuses:
“The lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!" (Proverbs 26:13)

They wastes time and energy:
“He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.” (Proverbs 18:9)

Even when something is right before them they refuse to do what they must:
"Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor" (Proverbs 13:23)

they want, but are too lazy to achieve:
“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing. (Proverbs 13:4-1)

And they believe they are wise, but in truth they are just a fool:
“The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.” (Proverbs 26:16)

I always harp on people to read the Word, but not just the books you love the most, read everything in it from cover to cover. Plus I advise that everyone should read a Proverb a day, since the number of chapters almost equals the number of days in the Month. The repetition of reading a chapter a day will keep the wisdom of God at the forefront of your mind. There are so many moments in one's day that require proper wisdom to do the correct thing. Imagine how wise your child will be when they go out into the world on their own. They will have a huge advantage in a world that wants to devour those who are unprepared.

Unlike others who's futures will be bleak:
“The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing.” (Proverbs 20:4)

Your child will be ready to take charge and be a leader among others:
“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” (Proverbs 12:24)

Their wisdom will lead them to be comfortable in life:
"The soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs 13:4-2)

Your child will be versed in the love of Christ and have compassion, but wisdom enough to understand why many in poverty are there.

I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down.
When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:
A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest;
So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:30-34)

As a Christian, we should labor in God’s strength to evangelize and disciple others. Working hard to get ahead does not just mean financially, but spiritually also. Many men of God work hard to advance the Lords kingdom, yet they are not wealthy in the terms of the world. They are wealthy in God's sight. While being wealthy in terms of the world is not a sin, it does lead to much temptation, because with much comes much responsibility.

It takes a wise person who is grounded in the Word of God to properly balance ones wealth in the world with ones wealth in the Lord. Many a man has stumbled by putting too much significance in their bank account and not enough into their spiritual account. Preparing your child early by grounding their life in God's Word, you can be assured that they will keep the proper balance throughout their life.

I pray that those who have ears to hear will hear His voice and call upon the name of the lord Jesus Christ.
Amen