Tag: Proverbs 24:30-34
Not busy but busybodies!
Scripture reading for September 23: 2 Thessalonians 3
“Now we command you, brothers, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6-11
How we use our time to be productive in providing for the needs we and our family have is important to godly kingdom harmony. We were created by God to serve God and others. When we are lazy or idle, we fill our time with self-seeking pursuits and set a bad example for others. God’s Word states that the worker is worthy of his hire and warns employers against withholding wages of those who work. God’s instructions in wisdom in Proverbs commends the diligent worker and warns the lazy of poverty and want. (Proverbs 24:30-34) When you continually sponge off of others or even family members when you could work, you set a bad example and cause strife and ill will. If you use your time selfishly and then end up in gossip and backbiting, others are affected and God is dishonored.
So in the Christ-centered world view, your every-day work and conduct of your own affairs is a testimony of God’s order, provision, and blessing. Your work does not define you, because your identity is as a child of God. But your work and diligence to use what God has blessed you with testifies about Your Father and His Son Who are always at work to care for Their creatures and creation. In fact, Paul’s rule for the idle person who could work but didn’t: “Those that don’t work should not eat.” That’s plain and practical!
Do you tend to think of your life in terms of personal and then religious? Have you heeded God’s warning to stay away from those who are idle and busybodies? Is this a current problem in our culture and time?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the privilege of working and using my talents to bring glory to You. I want to set a good example first for my own children and grandchildren. Help me to also instruct those in Your family concerning these principles of godliness through diligence. All glory to Jesus our Lord. Amen!
Wisdom to rule and live!
Scripture reading for July 9: Proverbs 22-24
The Bible teaches that we are all designed to rule and have dominion! Adam was given dominion over creation in order to tend and care for it as God desired and instructed. (Genesis 1:27-28) We need God’s wisdom because He is the source of all wisdom and authority and created all things for His purposes. The proverbs offer wisdom to those in authority to enable them to effectively rule with the mind of God.
Proverbs emphasizes our need for humility. (Proverbs 22:4) When we fear the Lord, God gives us discernment between good and evil. When we choose the good consistently we get wealth, honor and life as added benefits. We also get a good name and reputation, something that money can’t buy! (Proverbs 22:1) Keeping humility when God has blessed you can be a real test, for many times prosperity causes pride and God is forgotten or not honored.
When a king rules, he acts on behalf of God. Rulers are to treat the poor with equity and respect. (Proverbs 22:16, 22-23) When the poor are mistreated, God Himself promises to take up their case and rule on their behalf! Rulers must stay away from the adulteress and the hot-tempered man. (Proverbs 22:14, 24; 23:26-28) Both of those people lead to trouble. When rulers judge in court, they must be sure to convict the guilty and not show partiality or take a bribe. God will bless righteous judgment and integrity! (Proverbs 24:23-25) Also, do not seek revenge because that is for God alone! (Proverbs 24:29)
Those in authority must avoid drunkenness and laziness. (Proverbs 23:29-35) Drinking takes away your ability to have sound judgment and to see clearly. It causes violence and strife and quarrels. A hangover comes the next day and bloodshot eyes! It poisons our life like a snake-bite! The second warning is against laziness. (Proverbs 24:30-34) Laziness causes life to fall into ruin around you. Your life looks like a field that is not tended. Walls of protection are broken down and enemies steal the crop. Weeds grow and choke it out and thorns are a sign that the curse is at work. Laziness leads to poverty and lack!
Is you life marked by humility and respect for God? In your leadership, are you applying the wisdom of God in setting a good example? “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
Don’t be found asleep!
Scripture reading for February 26th: Mark 13
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Mark 13:35-37 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If He comes suddenly, do not let Him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!”
Jesus talked frankly to His disciples in His final hours with them before facing the cross. He warned them about their need to be watchful concerning the coming of the Lord to take His people to be with Him. (Mark 13:26-27) He explained that no one knows the exact day or hour, only His Father. Because of this, this event could come at any time of the day or year. He did not mean literally not to sleep, or we would all not make it. He referred to being awake spiritually and ready!
Observations for over-comers: Those who follow Jesus live in a state of readiness and watchfulness because of real relationship with Jesus. He is their guarantee of over-coming spiritual slothfulness! “I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, and the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I . . . learned a lesson from what I saw; A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come on you like a bandit. . .” (Proverbs 24:30-34)