Read Proverbs 24:23-34

This morning’s focus is upon Proverbs 24:30-34.

vs. 30-31, "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down."

Notice the correlation between one described as slothful and one lacking in understanding. The former reality follows from the latter. To lack wisdom and understanding leads to one being lazy, disorderly, and undisciplined. The result is this person’s place was a mess. His vineyard had not been weeded. To the contrary, it was infested with thorns and nettles. The stone walls used to terrace the hillside and collect moisture were broken down. Therefore, his potential for productivity was diminished. Moreover, removing thorns and nettles (allowed to grow in the first place) would prove to be a difficult and painful procedure. Therefore, they were left to grow.

vs. 32-34, Notice the lesson learned, "Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. 33Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 34So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man."

There is a powerful point at hand. Laziness, disorderliness, and a lack of discipline lead to poverty. There are consequences for attitudes. Doing as one wants, rather than what ought to be done, has consequences. Much of the poverty in the world is a result of a lack of ambition, diligence, and moral self-discipline. The metaphor of “as one that travelleth” may refer to being a vagrant.  Many people are victims of their own indulgence of drugs and slothfulness—lack of self-discipline, ambition, or willingness to work. Such have always existed and are not a recent phenomenon. The metaphor of an armed man likely refers to one so impoverished that he must resort to robbery. Notice the correlation between crime and slothfulness—the lack of self-discipline and willingness to work. Many of the social problems of modern culture are seen here. The solution is the greater scope of what Proverbs teaches: wisdom which leads to diligence, righteousness, and doing as one should.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What is the connection between understanding (knowing how to apply truth) and laziness?

2.  How might laziness impact a person’s ability to get ahead in life?

3.  List the three ingredients of poverty, and evaluate your life honestly.  

4.  Do you know anyone who seems to be proud of being lazy?  Do they possess any ambition?  Do they possess any self-discipline? Explain.