Proverbs 24:30-34 (New International Version)
30. I went past the field of the sluggard,past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31. thorns had come up everywhere,the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.
32. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33.A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
34. and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
In this day and age, thieves have become very hi-tech and they break in when they feel the time is right. But security experts have also gone high-tech and they tell us there are many things you can do as a property owner to keep the time from ever being right for thieves to strike.
In the same way, there are many things that you can do to keep off poverty and financial need, but not if you are lazy
Proverbs 19:15
Laziness induces deep sleep and a lazy person will go hungry
Now am not suggesting that all poverty is as a result of laziness, but laziness does bring sudden disaster. Many people are looking for jobs but they are not ready to work
Notice the lazy mans vineyard which requires careful and steadfast labor, shows every sign of neglect. It is overgrown with thorns and thistles and its protective stone wall is broken down. As a result it’s both unproductive and vulnerable to attack
Does that give a good description of your life? What areas of your life are showing neglect? Is it your career, your family, your finances, your health or your relationship with God?
Are you taking good care of yourself health wise? Remember your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. Are you lazy when it comes to sharing the gospel with others? Are you always giving excuses? Lazy people are masters at giving excuses. When was the last time you told someone about the love of Christ?
What about your home? Is everything in its place or is everything everywhere?
In what areas of your life have you allowed thorns and thistles to grow because you have been lazy?
Remember if you are lazy, poverty will come like a robber and need like a bandit
PRACTICAL RESPONSE
Laziness= poverty
Fold up your sleeves and get to work
