Text: Proverbs 21:1-31
One of the nice things about the Proverbs is the use of the writing method called parallelism. That means, the author will write something in one line and then say the same or opposite thing in the next line. In the verses for today, the sluggard who craves is the opposite of the righteous person who gives.
The sluggard is always trying to satisfy his desires, lusts, pleasures, etc., but he is never satisfied. Chasing after the things of this world will never satisfy. But the righteous person seeks the things of God, gives to others, and is always satisfied, in this life and in the one to come.
The lesson of the sluggard is always difficult for us to learn. We err, fail, and sin regularly. We live in the world; worldliness and worldly people are all around us, attracting us, tempting us. The problem is not the things. The problem is in our hearts; our desires and affections. The Redeemer Jesus never paid heed to the things and ways of the world. His love and focus were only on the Father’s will and in serving others. In order for our work to serve as worship, let us all be people who are the same as Christ. In your work, do it with thankfulness in your heart and to the glory of God, for the well-being of your family, and for the opportunity to help others.
Meditate on verses 25-26. What is God teaching you in these verses?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me to work with my hands so that I do not become a disgrace. Amen.