The Field of the Sluggard - Proverbs (Part 19)

Reflection • Some live to work. • Others work to live. • Many play at their work and work at their play. Description of the Sluggard (Prov. 24:30) 1. The word can be translated: sluggish, slow, lazy, slothful 2. Prov. 24:30b – this person is lacking sense 3. Prov 24:33 – this person is a lover of rest Description of the Sluggard 1. He will not begin things Proverbs 6:9 - How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? (ESV) Description of the Sluggard 2. He will not finish things Proverbs 26:15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. (ESV) Proverbs 12:27a Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, (ESV) Description of the Sluggard 3. He will not face things a. He believes his own excuses. Proverbs 26:13, The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!” (ESV) Description of the Sluggard 3. He will not face things b. He rationalizes his laziness Proverbs 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. (ESV) Description of the Sluggard 3. He will not face things c. Because of his soft choices, he has no character. Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing. (ESV) Vineyard “The vineyard serves as an example of any heritage lost through negligence.” [Waltke] Consequences of the Sluggard 1. Poverty/want Proverbs 24:34 - and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. (ESV) Consequences of the Sluggard 2. Shame Proverbs 10:5, He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. (ESV) Consequences of the Sluggard 3. Difficulties Proverbs 15:19, The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. (ESV) Consequences of the Sluggard 4. Destruction Proverbs 18:9, Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. (ESV) Consequences of the Sluggard 5. Ridicule Proverbs 26:13–16, The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!” [14] As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. [15] The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. [16] The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. (ESV) Beware of Laziness • Get rich quick schemes • Political systems • Cultures of mediocrity • Modern conveniences • Surplus of entertainment choices Remedy for the Sluggard 1. A Biblical Worldview of Work • In Genesis 1-2, we were made for work. • Work is part of being made in God’s image. • Work is a gift from God, not a punishment for sin. Remedy for the Sluggard 1. A Biblical Worldview of Work Genesis 2:15, The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (ESV) Remedy for the Sluggard 2. Pursuing the virtue of diligence God wants us to be constant, attentive, and persistent in our efforts to accomplish the task at hand. [Waltke] Remedy for the Sluggard 2. Pursuing the virtue of diligence Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. (ESV) Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. (ESV) Remedy for the Sluggard 2. Pursuing the virtue of diligence Proverbs 31:27, She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (ESV) Remedy for the Sluggard 3. For the Christian, all legitimate work should be seen as serving the Lord Colossians 3:23–24, Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (ESV) 1 Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV) Reflection Questions 1. Does this work glorify God? 2. Does it benefit my fellow man? 3. Can I do this job well and find enjoyment in that? 4. Does this work provide for my material needs? 5. Does this job permit me to lead a godly and balanced life?