Text: Proverbs 12:15-28
When Adam sinned, work became extremely difficult, hatred for work and laziness (disinterest, sluggishness) entered our existence. A lazy person does not like to work. God is diligent and not lazy, and nor should the ones who are created in His image. If God was lazy, creation would cease to exist, because every nanosecond counts as all things are absolutely dependent on His sustaining power.
This proverb is using extreme examples, which are: a diligent person will rule, and a lazy person will be enslaved. Though these examples are not literal, the principles being illustrated are: diligence brings reward; laziness brings harm.
The diligence of a worker will serve him/her well. Diligent work in the home promises happiness in the family; diligent work on the job promises income for necessities, maybe even some niceties! Some have said: “I do not need to work; God will take care of me.” That is laziness and bad theology. The Bible teaches diligence in one’s labors. Jesus Christ worked diligently (Mark1:38). So, His disciples must also work diligently at whatever the Lord gives us to do. If work is to honor God and be worshipful, then we must be diligent.
Meditate on verse 24. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me to be diligent with my work. Amen.