What The Wiseman Had To Say About Work

Proverbs work and laziness

Turn with me this morning please to the book of Proverbs. Proverbs chapter 6. Proverbs chapter 6, and in a few minutes we will begin in verse 9. Proverbs chapter 6 and beginning in verse 9.

The week before last, Gladys and I went to California, and got to meet Drew’s future in-laws, who are very good and gracious people. We went out to meet them, and we went out because they were having a bridal shower. Thankfully, Drew and I didn’t have to attend that.

It was my and Gladys’ first time in California, so we got to do a little sightseeing. I say a little. Honestly, everything out there was new to us, except the livestock judging show we got to attend. Due to 4-H, that was familiar. Also, with everything going on with my mom, honestly, it was good to get away and rest a little bit. We went to bed early and slept late.

Can I tell you the truth? After several days of that I was going stir crazy. Finally, by the end of the week, Drew’s future father-in-law, I believe reluctantly, agreed to let me do some bush hogging. I needed to do something. All of that down time was about to get me.

It reminded me of when Gladys and I got COVID and were stuck at the house for a while. We really didn’t have the strength or energy to do much, but after a day or so of sitting on the couch and watching TV I was over it.

Why is that? It’s not because I’m weird. It’s not because I’m a workaholic. It’s because God never designed, created, or planned for us to do nothing.

From the beginning God planned for us to be busy doing something. Even before the fall, God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and told them to tend the garden. He had a job for them.

In 1 Corinthians 6:3, Paul tells the Christians in Corinth that one day Christians will judge angels. Work in heaven.

In the parable of the talents Jesus tells us that those are the most obedient, will be given even more to do in the future.

No where in all of creation, from the Garden of Eden to Heaven in the future does it ever say that God created us to sit around and do nothing.

A day of rest, Yes! Perpetual inactivity? No! Don’t run out your life with no meaning., no purpose, failing to advance the kingdom of God.

If you will excuse me for the reference, the day before my mother went to the hospital coughing up blood and unable to breath, she was in south Florida teaching folks how to do the office work for Florida Baptist Disaster Relief. Don’t you dare tell me there’s nothing you can do. Don’t you dare tell me there’s nothing for you to do.

We live in a day and age when people are trying everything in the world to fill their hours and to pass the time, because they are bored. I had a former chairman of deacons, and a friend, tell me, if someone is bored it’s because they’re lazy. I believe that’s true.

God created us with a purpose, with a mission.

> 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Can you tell me that what you are spending your time doing is bringing glory to God?

Work is not a curse. Work is a privilege, a challenge to laziness, an answer to boredom, a place to invest one’s energy, and a way to provide for one’s physical needs.

Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to be people of diligence, committed to the tasks in life that need to be accomplished. Some however, do not consider this a privilege, but a drag.

In Proverbs, Solomon refers to these people as sluggards. They are people who have the ability to work, but refuses to. He lacks the drive, personal responsibility, and common sense to provide for his needs. He loves sleep and dislikes work. Our country has a growing percentage of our population who fit this description. Paul tells us in 2 Thessalonians 3:10;

> 2 Thessalonians 3:10 The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat”.

There are number of characteristics many sluggards have in common.

In Proverbs chapter 6 and verse 9 we find one of these characteristics.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SLUGGARD

1. A Sluggard has trouble getting started

- Read Proverbs 6:9-11

First, a sluggard has trouble getting started. He has great plans, he has great hopes, he has great dreams, but he just has trouble getting started. He can never seem to get things in gear.