And the Lazy will lose...

God gave the gift of work to humanity and it was good ()

Explanation: God assigned Adam to work in the Garden as a good thing. This was his assignment before sin entered the world. The entrance of sin made work harder, but work itself is a good thing.

Argument: Scripture informs us to do our best in whatever legitimate pursuit we are undertaking. gives the guidelines: “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Our work ethic is part of our witness.

Application: For those with the physical ability to do so, work should be part of the lifestyle. We may be in a job we are not suited for, but the answer is not to avoid work, but to find that avenue of industry that we have been gifted for

Laziness is a choice, a refusal to work (; )

Explanation: There are those people who legitimately cannot work a job. For a variety of reasons some individuals need to be helped, because they cannot provide for themselves. People in this category should not be looked down upon. As believers, it is part of our ministry to share our blessings with those in need.

There are, however, multitudes of people who can work, but choose not to. It is to this group that these Proverbs are addressed.

Illustrate: The guy on the corner begging for money that is under video surveillance and is actually not homeless and doing well. The clients at the food pantry who need help with food but somehow have money for smokes

Argument: Those who can, but choose not to are actually choosing a hard life. states their path will be like walking into a hedge of thorns. As believers we need to model a strong work ethic, and to not coddle those who are simply lazy

Application: Biblically, this is simple: If you can work, you need to do so. No excuses.

Laziness leads to poverty ()

Explanation: The Bible is very clear as regards the result of laziness. Scripture states those who are lazy will end up in poverty. This one is self-evident, and it is amazing that so many in our society see the answer in terms of government programs and handouts instead of creating incentives to go to work.

Illustrate: throwing gas on a fire. Larry Burkett stated that this is exactly what we do when we simply give people money.

Argument: Welfare has been in existence for over 50 years. The so called “war on poverty” has actually increased those who live in poverty! Amazingly, we don’t accept this and continue to make the problem worse.

Application: I am no economist and I certainly don’t have expertise in government funding of welfare programs, but it seems that as long as our government continues to simply give people money and benefits for free we will not make a positive impact on poverty

The Lazy actually exert time and energy avoiding work ()

Explanation: This proverb speaks to the sluggard who claims there is a lion outside, thus preventing him from going outside to work. There is no lion, the sluggard is just inventing reasons not to work. Lazy people are creative are creating reasons as to why they cannot get a job.

Illustrate: Millennial International program video with John Crist

Argument: The mindset needs to change. Any and all jobs have a downside with elements that are disliked. No one gets a dream job where it is all good, all the time. Realistic expectations for the job market are necessary.

Application: Those who are mature realize that when it comes to making your way in the world, you do what is necessary. (stay legitimate). A mature individual accepts the reality of getting a job to provide, even if it is not the job he or she is going to keep. McDonald’s probably isn’t the total career path, but it is a job.

While the Proverbs focus on physical labor, believers are not be guilty of spiritual laziness (; )

Explanation: This is the account of the talents. One servant is given 5 talents, one is given 2 talents, and the other is given 1 talent.