Proverbs 19:15-29
“Slothfulness casteth
into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” (Proverbs 19:15)
Laziness makes a person feel tired and constantly in need of
sleep. The less they do the more tired
they feel. Because they can’t be
bothered to get out and do anything they use up everything they had and end up
in poverty and hunger. Many feel
obligated to see that such people have the necessities, but II Thessalonians 3:10
says, “,,,we commanded you, that if any
would not work, neither should he eat.” We
have no right to circumvent God’s plan by feeding people who don’t want to do
their share.
“He that keepeth the
commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. ”
(Proverbs 19:16)
God’s commands were given to enable people to have the best
possible life. Obeying them preserves a
person’s life, while disobeying them leads to the loss of one’s life.
“He that hath pity
upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay
him again.” (Proverbs 19:17)
A person who takes the trouble to help those who are
struggling is in effect lending the Lord the value of his help. God always pays his bills. It will pay off.
“Chasten thy son while
there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Proverbs 19:18)
To chasten means to make a person aware their actions will
not be tolerated. Sometimes just a
scolding is enough while other times some type of physical punishment is required. It is important that chastening be done
before the action becomes habitual. Ecclesiastes
8:11 warns, “Because sentence against an
evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is
fully set in them to do evil.” If
the action is allowed to continue, eventually you will be unable to stop
them. Don’t let the fear of making him
cry stop you from teaching him what is right.
“A man of great wrath
shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.”
(Proverbs 19:19)
Sooner or later a person who lets themselves fly off the
handle will get into trouble because each time they get away with it they get
worse. Trying to get them out of trouble
just encourages them. Don’t waste the time.
“Hear counsel, and
receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” (Proverbs 19:20)
Listen to advice and learn from it. Eventually it will make you wise.
“There are many
devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall
stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)
People are constantly coming up with new ideas and plans,
but God’s principles do not change. Unlike
people, God doesn’t change his mind.
“The desire of a man
is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.” (Proverbs 19:22)
What a person wants determines how he treats other
people. A poor man is always worth more
than a liar, no matter how much the liar may have.
“The fear of the LORD
tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be
visited with evil. ” (Proverbs 19:23)
Respect for the Lord and his power tends to make a person
cautious about disobeying him. As a
result he avoids God’s judgment and is able to enjoy his life.
“A slothful man hideth
his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.”
(Proverbs 19:24)
A lazy man resents even having to exert himself to bring a
bite of food to his mouth. He’d rather
just fold his hands and let somebody else do it for him so he doesn’t have to
exert himself at all.
“Smite a scorner, and
the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will
understand knowledge. ” (Proverbs 19:25)
Punishing a rebellious and stubborn person rarely changes
their ways, but it makes other people think about the consequences of their
actions and may deter them. A
thoughtful person will pay attention with just a warning.
“He that wasteth his
father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth
reproach. Cease, my son, to hear the
instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. ” (Proverbs 19:26-27)
A person who just wastes what his father earns and refuses
to have anything to do with his mother is an embarrassment to his parents,
constantly shaming them. He needs to
quit paying attention to bad advice or teaching that encourages him to do
wrong. As I Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Be not deceived: evil communications
corrupt good manners.” Despite one’s
best intentions, he will be affected by listening to such advice.
“An ungodly witness
scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scorners, and
stripes for the back of fools. ” (Proverbs 19:28-29)
Ungodly people hate the idea they will be judged and think
it ridiculous, and wicked people flock to wicked things like flies are drawn to
honey. They don’t understand that
Judgment is designed specifically because of their attitude, and the punishment
is for fools who think wickedness is fun.
Great post, Donald! In today's society of technology helping us with many mundane tasks, and the expectation of instant gratification, it is easy to become slothful and forget the importance of hard work. In spiritual discipline there are no short cuts, and if we seek to know Him we must apply ourselves in Bible study and in prayer.
ReplyDeleteMay you, your family and your ministry be blessed this Christmas, in 2015 and until He comes again!
Laurie
Thanks. Laurie
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