Proverbs 10:4, 5: Satisfaction in Laziness

He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Proverbs 10:4, 5

Slack: negligent, idle hand

Poor: to be destitute -- lack, needy

Diligent: to be alert, to decide

Rich: to accumulate; specifically to grow

Wise: act circumspectly, prudently

Shame:  to be ashamed, to be disappointed

Work ethic. It's lacking in our society today. We used to take pride in doing a job well. Now people want to get nothing for little or no work. And many of those that do work, don't put forth any effort. 

Idle hand. Trouble begins when one has nothing to do. And idle hands lead to laziness and that leads to trouble. 

Diligent isn't just an idea, rather is translates into action. It is a specific choice and that choice then leads to action that leads to riches. 

Do nothing and be rewarded. That seems to be the norm in our world today. However, as we look around, we can see that those that live that philosophy are angry, discontent, and in trouble. Why are those who except everything for nothing so discontented? Because there is nothing to take pride in; there is no satisfaction in laziness. 

What about those that can't work? That truly are disabled. Even those that are disabled or too old still find purpose and meaning by doing what they can. Those that make excuses for doing nothing live in states of depression and frustration. Those that try to do all they can for themselves and others, are encouraged and happy. 

Negligent. Diligent. Two opposites. Satisfaction in laziness. Gratification in industriousness. 

Shame. Riches. Two opposites. Two different results based upon actions and attitude. 

The only way to assure that one does not create a mindset of having a satisfaction in laziness is to have a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when we respect and fear God, we want out attitudes and actions to reflect His wisdom. We want to obey Him and put forth the effort in knowing that we are doing a job—and doing it diligently. 

Proverbs 6:16-19: Dissimilitude

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

Hate: enemy, foe, be hateful odious, utterly

Abomination: something disgusting (morally), an abhorrence

Proud look: arrogance

Lying tougue: falsehood, babbler, evil speaker

Innocent: free from guilt, clean

Blood: shed with injustice & cruelty

Heart: thinking, reflection

Devises: as one who works in, practices

Wicked: thoughts of trouble

Plans: device, purpose

Swift running: run even faster

Evil: injury, wrong, harm

False witness: injurious falsehood, in testimony in court

Speaks: breathe out, utter

Lies: deceptive thing

Discord: strife

Among: verbs of dividing

Brethren: kindred

Pride vs Humility

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility. Proverbs 15:33

Lie vs Truth

‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. Leviticus 19:11

Murder vs Life

Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked. Exodus 23:7

Scheming vs God's plan

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Psalm 37:7

Quick to Evil vs Quick to Truth

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19

Strife vs Peace

The law of truth was in his mouth, and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, and turned many away from iniquity. Malachi 2:6

Dissimilitude. Unlikeness. Difference.  Dissimilarity.

There is no question as to what God hates. For as a Holy God all sin is abhorrence to Him. The list of these items covers the entire person. Mind. Mouth. Heart. Hands. Feet. 

Dissimilitude. When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then I'll hate the same things God hates. I will want remove myself far from those that are living a lifestyle that is dishonoring and hateful to God. 

Dissimilitude. It requires commitment to God and His holy standard. It requires wisdom and the desire to put that wisdom into practice. Remember there are no "white lies". There is to be no compromise. It's a total and complete act of distancing oneself from sin. Dissimilitude. 

Can others see the godly difference in me? 

Intimate Understanding

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The ninth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 100. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock. Psalm 100:3 (GNT)

Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3 (AMP)

Realize that the Lord alone is God. He made us, and we are his. We are his people and the sheep in his care. Psalm 100:3 (GW)

Know: comprehend, consider, discern, discover, perceive, have respect, understand, be aware.

Know ye what God is in himself, and what he is to you. Know it; consider and apply it, then you will be more close and constant, more inward and serious, in his worship. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Know God. How do I get to know God almighty? One place to begin is Proverbs 6:16-19., it tells me what the Lord hates. He hates these things because they are against His very nature, His character, who He is. 

There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate: • A proud look, • a lying tongue, • hands that kill innocent people, • a mind that thinks up wicked plans, • feet that hurry off to do evil, • a witness who tells one lie after another, • and someone who stirs up trouble among friends.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (GNT)

Knowing God means that I not only learn who He is, but act on that knowledge. The more I get to know God, the richer my life will be. For as I get to know God, that knowledge (should) will change my heart, my mind, my attitude, and my actions. “Knowledge has power.” But more than that knowledge produces an intimate understanding of an Almighty God. 

Getting to know God, understanding who He is, creates a deeper love and respect for Him, and that intimate understanding of who God is creates a positive day!