Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 13:4
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
I think these two proverbs can be risky and easily over-interpreted into judgemental territory. Especially 10:4. Poverty clearly does not imply laziness. However, if one does not work hard, it is difficult to imagine that success will follow. It has also been my experience that putting in a day of hard work is quite satisfying, and can leave me feeling fulfilled and content. But for me the common thread is this: God intends for us to work in this life. We are to do our best, whatever the task.
Holy Lord, you do not want me to sit idly, I know this. Help me to continue to push forward and do my best, even when I am tired. You are with me, and will hold me up. Amen
Becky, transforming
Proverbs 10:4 and Proverbs 13:4
Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
The biggest problem I see with 10:4 ad 13:4 is that too many people reverse the order of the words so it reads: the poor are lazy people and you will be rich if you work hard. Nothing could be further from the truth. So many people believe the poor brought it on themselves with laziness. It is also not true about getting rich if you work hard. We all know many hard working people who are just “getting by.” I see much of this reverse thinking being spouted again and …
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024
Complacency
Proverbs 10:4
Proverbs 13:4
Lazy hands make a a man poor But diligent hands bring wealth.
The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied
Complacency is a feeling of calm satisfaction with my own abilities or my own situation, that prevents me from trying harder. Am I so satisfied with my situation I’m not motivated to keep moving or trying to improve. I wouldn’t call me lazy, but do I know the difference between contentment and complacency. They both have to do with finding satisfaction in where I am right now. Often there’s only a fine line separating them, but the difference is crucial. For me in…
Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 13:4
To me, the concept of poverty doesn’t necessarily have to mean social economic poverty. It could be emotional, spiritual or physical poverty. We can garner “wealth” from our efforts in all these areas and if we are diligent, we can be satisfied with more than just financial wealth.
Heavenly Father, help me each day to live a purposeful and meaningful life. Amen.
Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 13:4
Becky’s squirrel is a living example of these proverbs. During her daily walk here in Randolph, she saw the little guy working mightily to drag his prize and then he made the decision to just start eating it right then and there. His diligent hands were rewarded by God, giving our furry friend a caloric load that will help him prepare for the long winter ahead. I agree that these verses, like many others in Scripture can be misused, but the basic message is valid: diligence may or may not yield an earthly reward, but nothing is ever gained by laziness. Complacency about one’s situation that results in inaction can never improve the situation. Diligence is…