Read Proverbs 21:16-31

Proverbs 21:25-26.  Verse 25 reads, "The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour." 

The thought is how the unwillingness of the lazy to work (i.e., the desire) leads to their demise. Those who are lazy, undisciplined, and slothful not only will be on the short end of life economically, they also often face premature death.  Our society tends to promote laziness by rewarding people who will not work with monthly benefits to sustain them.  If a person will not work, neither should he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10),

Verse 26 states, "He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not." 

The irony is that the lazy, undisciplined, and slothful fellow described in verse twenty-five always wants more. The phrase "coveteth greedily" has the sense of desire upon desire. Implicit is that the lazy and undisciplined want more but do not have the means to obtain it. In contrast, a righteous person (who by implication is not lazy, undisciplined, or slothful) has the wherewithal to give to others and does so. Clearly implied is that a truly righteous person will be generous and helpful to those in need. However, the greater thought is that laziness and undisciplined living lead to poverty, whereas diligent, disciplined living brings prosperity. The lazy person becomes consumed with materialism, always wanting more, but not having it. The righteous who becomes prosperous, though having more, is not consumed thereby. He is willing to give to help those in need. There is a clear lesson here of the haves and have-nots in modern society. The latter, more often than not, are the victims of their own lack of character. The former often have risen materially because of a strong work ethic. Moreover, they are not consumed with materialism.

Have a great day walking in God's presence.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Make sure to acknowledge the difference between someone who is unwilling to work and the person who is unable (disabled) to work.  Are you a worker?

2.  What inherent danger do you see in aiding people who are “unwilling” to work?

3.  Why do you think thievery and covetousness are linked in today’s two verses?

4.  How can you become a “giver”?  How does Ephesians 4:28 help you understand today’s devotional thought?