The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). The instruction to pray for daily sustenance implies that we are meant to always be engaged in the work and provision of life. We are not meant to be workaholics, but neither should we be idle. Work has existed since before the fall, when God created Adam to rule over the garden. We are called to engage with the life and work we’ve been given.
Reflection Questions:
In what areas of your life are you the most diligent? What does Scripture call us to be diligent about?
What does Proverbs 13:11 tell you about the nature of your work?
What does laziness look like in your life? Why is laziness a gospel issue?
What a wake up call that recently I don’t feel like I have been diligent in any area of my life. Not even my Bible study as I just dove into this today. Life has been so overwhelming the past several months that I have just checked out. This was a wake up call that there are things out of my control but my diligence to the Lord and the word, my family and my household are not out of my control and they don’t deserve my neglect. This is exactly what I needed the Lord to show me today.
Chris Swan You mentioned the book “Tis a Gift to be Simple”
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I tried to find it but all I got was a hymn which is wonderful but it is not a book.
Do you have a bit more information about it that you could share ?
Now I needed this!!!
Sarah, I feel that way as well! You are not alone! I do think God takes joy in your rest as well as our productivity!
The Scripture teaches us here to be diligent about guarding our heart (to keep our heart in check above ALL things, and not allow any negative things to enter, for out of it will be issues of our life), and be diligent about our business (may it be our home making, cultivate a career, schooling etc.). Being diligent will raise us up to be around noble, successful people (kings), in other words, will promote us far (I find this extremely encouraging!).
Proverbs 13:11 reveals a secret to sustaining wealth. It is by labour with diligent hands, and not laziness. Laziness will bring poverty. Laziness in my life does come under pretty cover, such as treating myself to some “me” time, get some more sleep or rest, or I can do this tomorrow. However, as sweet and inviting all that might sound, it soon will establish a habit of procrastinating, and changing that procrastination habit is a lot of work down the road, not to mention stagnancy this already has caused, and lots of catching up to do on our part.
On the other hand, I found this verse which reminds us not to wear ourselves out labouring, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.” Proverbs 23:4. Seeking God to counsel us how far we need to work for something is also key to success. And knowing what we are labouring for, setting goals, is important. Isaiah 55:2 :” Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.”
I pray that God will give us wisdom, diligent hands and great discernment to work toward the true riches, and not labour in vain. Bless you sisters.
(1)The areas in which I am most diligent is at work. I sew and want produce something great quality. Also in family I care more about them than they think or know and pray for their well-being all the time. Scripture calls us to be diligent about our relationship with Christ and building His kingdom. Also, to work hard and not be lazy.
(2) The nature of my work hasn’t been the best, in the past I was easily distracted and persuaded. I am now paying for that and have devoted myself to making a change for the better.
(3) Laziness in my life looks messy, borderline poverty, and sometimes even dirty. Laziness to me is empty and lonely. Laziness is a gospel issue because that’s where it starts. It begins in our relationship with Christ. If we’re lazy in that area of our life we will be lazy in other areas too.
This one resonates with me a lot. I work 8 hours a day (now from home since Covid started) and always wish I could be painting or reading or doing something else productive, but as soon as the work day ends, I’m too tired to do any of it. I’ll end up sitting on the couch watching 4 episodes of Gilmore Girls instead. I feel so lazy, but my energy is just caput! Does anyone else feel this way too? I find it so hard to get out of this never ending cycle.
Yes I definitely feel the same way!
Teach me to diligent and disciplined Lord, in all that I do, big or small. Teach me to glorify you in all that I do, work and play. Let laziness not reside in our hearts.