Working to provide for ourselves and others is also a responsibility. The ability to work is a blessing from the Lord since He gives us the ability to make money and provide for our needs ( Deuteronomy 8:18). Work, therefore, is a good part of our lives.Īlthough sin can damage a person’s view of work, the Bible encourages us to live industriously so we can provide for our families and give to those in need ( Ephesians 4:28 and 1 Thessalonians 4:11). Notice that Adam was working before sin entered the human race. When He created the first man, He set Adam in the garden to “tend and watch over it” ( Genesis 2:15, NLT). The biblical warning against laziness is relevant to our lives today, just as it was during Solomon’s time. Rather, they should reserve their compassionate giving of food and resources for those who are truly in need. The church should not support those who lazily refuse to work. However, Paul gave them the command that whoever was unwilling to work would not receive food to eat ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Certain individuals in the Thessalonian church were idle and did not work, preferring the life of a busybody ( 2 Thessalonians 3:11). The early church experienced the side effects of people who were unwilling to work. The children, when they are old enough, may also acquire a job to help provide for their family. His wife, not wanting their family to fall into starvation or homelessness, must then work harder to support herself and her children, in addition to the able-bodied yet lazy husband. For instance, a father could lazily refuse to provide for his family. Without that paycheck, people cannot afford food, proper clothing, or the rent or mortgage for their house.Īnother result of laziness is that others are required to step in and work to support the sluggard. Most people can see the truth of this proverb since if they do not work, they will not get paid. Individuals will quickly find themselves lacking the necessities for life if they are unwilling to work for food, clothing, and shelter. The Negative Effects of LazinessĪs the proverb shows us, the idea that people can give in to the temptation of laziness and rest “a little,” putting off their work for another time is unwise. The person who lazily puts off working will find themselves in poor conditions ( Proverbs 24:33-34).
Solomon describes an overgrown field with weeds and a dilapidated stone wall ( Proverbs 24:30-31).Īpplying wisdom to what he saw, he arrived at the same conclusion as he did in Proverbs 6:10-11. Like the use of an ant in Proverbs 6, chapter 24 uses the example of the sluggard’s vineyard to provide a warning against laziness. Although the lack of food and resources will surprise the sluggard, those who are wise understand why he is in that position ( Proverbs 19:15). Solomon instructs the sluggard to consider the ways of the ant ( Proverbs 6:6).Īs a result, “poverty” and “scarcity” will come upon the sluggard ( Proverbs 6:11). Proverbs 6:10 presents the first instance of “a little sleep, a little slumber.” This verse is part of a larger context directed toward “the sluggard” or lazy person.
Also, the Bible reports that Solomon “composed some 3,000 proverbs” ( 1 Kings 4:32, NLT). His authorship is further confirmed by the rest of Scripture since he received wisdom from God ( 1 Kings 3:12 4:29). Solomon is directly mentioned as the author of this book of the Bible ( Proverbs 1:1). As a book of the Bible that falls into the genre of wisdom literature, Proverbs gives us numerous short yet profound statements. The phrase “a little sleep, a little slumber” is found in Proverbs 6:10 and 24:33-34. The proverb about a “ little sleep, a little slumber” reminds us of the dangers of being a sluggard and the need to work diligently. However, we need to guard ourselves against an attitude or spirit of laziness that discourages us from working. There is nothing wrong with resting from our work since the Bible tells us God chose to rest on the seventh day after He finished creating all things ( Genesis 2:2-3). Scripture warns us against living like a sluggard. His laziness and unwillingness to work had serious consequences, both for him and his family. Since Unoka did not provide for his family, “He was poor and his wife and children had barely enough to eat” (Achebe, The Longman Anthology of World Literature). His father, Unoka, was known for idleness during his life. In Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo is ashamed of his father and does not want to become like him.
0 kommentar(er)
