Friday, October 16, 2015

Proverbs 6:6-11: Be Wise

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? when will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep— So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11

Free stuff. I have a right to it. I deserve it. I'm entitled!  

Sadly, that is the theme heard throughout the current generations. The entitlement dilemma has created a dangerous precedent and a very lazy and selfish generation. When one doesn't have to work for something, there is no appreciation of it. There is no understanding of value. No respect is gained when just handed everything all the time. 

Hard work. Diligence. Understanding of value. Giving and gaining respect. These are characteristics of a wise person. 

Laziness. It's easy to be lazy and find excuses not to get work done. It's much more fun to spend time on Facebook, or watch TV, or............ there are many things which are a great deal more fun than work! However, God has much to say about being lazy. 

This link lists 16 verses about being lazy: 

Oh, and did you notice that none of the verses listed above, say anything good about being lazy? 

Laziness or the idea that I don't have to do anything, just be handed everything—that is a dangerous mindset. One verse that rings true is: Proverbs 16:27 "A worthless person plots trouble, and his speech is like a burning fire." An old quote says it this way, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop." Meaning if you are lazy, you will get into trouble! 

Remember Proverbs is all about the VERBS! And we are told in Proverbs 6:6 to Be Wise: become wise, act wisely. Become wise, gain wisdom and knowledge—then ACT wisely! Don't be lazy. Put that wisdom into action! 

Having a heart that is permitted with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG) is the place to start. BUT, it doesn't stop there! There is to be followthrough there is to be action! Not just head knowledge but wisdom which is put to good use. BE WISE: become wise, act wisely. 

Be lazy: act foolishly. Be wise: act wisely. The choice is yours.

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