After completing your daily reading, come back to chat with fellow Bible readers about any reflections you have on the proverbs, introduction, or questions from today.
Before the entrance of sin and brokenness, God created Adam to rule over the garden and work it diligently. Also, Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Both of these truths in Scripture show that we are meant to both engage wholeheartedly with whatever we work at and depend on God for everything we need. We are not meant to be workaholics, but neither should we be idle—we give Him our best effort in the gifts He has placed before us.
Reflection Questions:
What do these proverbs call us to be diligent about?
In your opinion, what is the difference between laziness and rest?
What does Proverbs 13:11 teach us about how to work?
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109 thoughts on "Diligence and Laziness"
I needed the reminder today that we are called to both engage wholeheartedly in what we work at AND trust God to provide what we need.
Amen ❤️
Diligence leads to great reward, being lazy is a snare and trap that leads to despair.
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I really think diligence is to be evident in all aspects of our lives. This verse immediately comes to mind…
‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ Col 3:17 Diligent in the personal sense of stewarding our relationship with Jesus, of how we use our time, how we do our jobs, care for our well-being, tending to our relationships – spouse, children, friends, parents, taking care of our homes. Whatever is before us, do it well. Laziness on the other hand gets us no where and we should not expect fulfillment or success if we do not put effort forth and quite frankly, its an unattractive quality.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word, that guides, leads us and shows us your ways. It is my hearts desire to live a life that is pleasing and honoring unto you. Forgive me for the times I become complacent, unmotivated, and lazy; when I make excuses and am apathetic. Thank you Lord for the countless ways you provide, for the ways you have worked in my life and the things you have called me to. May my life be an offering unto you. Amen
Well said!
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Hard work and rest, but you can’t rest without doing the work first.
I couldn’t answer the rest
I think of laziness as feeling entitled to have someone else do the work/serve you while you do nothing. Like you are too good to be bothered with it. My ex was so much like this; he wanted all of the accolades without doing the work. Sometimes, when we think we are being lazy, we are just plain tired and need rest. The difference is the posture of the heart.
In reading the verses today followed by the question prompts I found my mind going to – Colossians 3: 23-24 that reads “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” I believe we are called to be diligent to whatever work God has called us to at this point in our life. When I look up the word diligent the definition I found is “having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties” (I then looked up conscientiousness, “the quality of wishing to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly”)
The second question makes a distinction btw laziness and rest. While laziness is spoken of in a negative way in these passages, it is important to remember that we do in fact need rest. (After all we are made in God’s image and he too rested.) I am guilty sometimes of avoiding rest because I don’t want to be lazy, when rest is actually what my body and soul very much need. I pray for any She’s who struggle at times with that like I do that you can find “rest for your soul” like Jesus speaks of in Matthew 11.
I feel convicted over this one! Not sure I am representing the word in my workplace lately. This is a good reminder!
These Proverbs remind me to be diligent in staying focused, working hard, and using my gifts with excellence. It’s not about shortcuts, but about steady, faithful effort that honors God and bears fruit over time.
The difference between laziness and rest is purpose: rest restores me so I can honor God and keep going, but laziness avoids responsibility and wastes what He’s given me.
Proverbs 13:11 reminds me that lasting success comes from steady, consistent effort, not rushing or taking shortcuts. Little by little, faithful work really does add up.
I like the way you worded the difference between laziness and rest, nicely said :)
The proverbs essentially call us to be diligent in everything we do, from work to prayer and everything in between. I enjoyed the added snippet that expanded upon the concept of both diligent and laziness.
I have personally struggled with a willingness to allow myself grace and rest. My husband has heard my expressed frustration of feeling pure lazy because I was so used to the constant go without stopping and the last four years I’ve been forced to stop and slow down. Thank goodness, he is always the gentle voice of reasoning along side God.
Having been raised by two very hard working parents, during very hard times, a good work ethic was instilled in me at a very young age. I guess I never really appreciated that until many years later, when God blessed me with the ability to always have a job and a way to take care of my two young children after fleeing a very abusive husband. Fast forward several years and being able to complete my childhood dream of being a nurse. Caring for patients and pouring into them was so fulfilling. I used that time to care for, love on, and witness to them and their families when I could. Even during the times that it was not okay to bring prayer or “religion” into patient care, not one person ever said no when I asked them If I could pray with them. I was equally blessed but nursing is a very hard occupation and after 12 hour shifts, sheer exhaustion was a real thing. Every morning, on my way into work I would pray that others would see “my Jesus” in everything I did that day. Help me be His hands and feet, salt & light to whoever needed it that day. He always provided. After a long, rewarding nursing career, I retired in July 2022. Almost immediately I felt lost, and wondered what I was supposed to be doing. It felt wrong to rest. In August of 2023, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and immediately started treatment. Many times I felt blessed to not be working because i’m not sure how I could have done that with the exhaustion and side effects of treatment. I say all that to say this, life comes at you in so many different phases. Seek God in all phases. Be diligent and work hard in whatever phase you are in. Sorry for the long post. Seems like the only time I post is when I have a LOT to say! Love you She’s!❤️
LOL, Cathy! It is ALWAYS GOOD to hear from you, sister! [heart]
Wow what sacrifice you put forth. So much strength and wisdom here. Thank you.❤️
We love to hear your insights and wisdom (and more about you) sweet friend!
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I have become more of a Martha ever since I have become a mother. There is always so much to do to take care of little ones. I think laziness is an over indulgence in rest and not completing the work that you know needs to get done. Rest is taking a break to recharge. I definitely need to recharge throughout my day. Sometimes I look forward to that rest so much, that I forget to enjoy the work God has given me. Sometimes I forget that work isn’t something to just get through. God made us to work, but not to be defined by it.
I relate so much to what you said, “Sometimes I look forward to that rest so much, that I forget to enjoy the work God has given me.” Not sure I have a ton to add just wanted to comment that you are seen and I can relate :)
Bravo SRT on this topic. This study has been phenomenal.
1. What do these proverbs call us to be diligent about? This question really brought to mind the parable of the talents, where the Lord was pleased with the servants who double their talents. This story Jesus taught on stewardship, responsibility and faithfulness. So when connecting with Proverbs today, I think we are called to be diligent about all of the above. Talent is an amount that the Lord entrusts to each of us. He spoke figuratively, but those are resources we are given. Professional skills, relational skills, abilities, time, money, possessions, platforms, influence. Everyone has 24 hours a day and what we do with them matters. Investing time in growth (learning, studying Scripture, developing discipline) and in serving others matter to God. And the way to do is diligence (wholeheartedly).
2. What is the difference between laziness and rest? I have been through a burn out season, running on overdrive on fumes, so I appreciate rest, and rest is mandatory. No excuses. Please rest superwomen of God. Don’t kill yourself. God does not slumber or sleep, but you should. Rest is ordained by God for the seventh day, and we shall work for the remaining 6 days. Laziness on the other hand is condemned strongly as sin. “How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man”- Proverbs 6 :9-11, “Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads to a leaky house “-Ecclesiastes 10:18. Laziness is an avoidance of responsibility. Laziness seeks comfort and avoids serving. Difference: Rest brings renewal, recharging for more good works with purpose. Laziness brings refusal, withdrawing from a fruitful living life. Laziness dishonors God greatly. Please don’t be lazy (perhaps your mom already told you this lol). Find what you love and are good at, put your heart and soul into it. There is uniqueness of talent you have. Your talent makes us all better. Don’t sit on your talent and bury it out of fear.
3. Proverbs 13:11 The power of little by little- the snowball effect: this is a very powerful concept (to pay of debt, or to build wealth). I love this verse so much, very practical imagery, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” — Proverbs 6:6–8. Be diligent in small things. Very small things. Gather and don’t be wasteful. Who knows the seven years of well earnings are here, but what if the next seven years of recession are looming? Don’t upgrade your lifestyle too quick. Save little by little- it builds discipline. Always spend below your means. Ants prepare in advance- another wisdom. The ant doesn’t need a boss to tell it what to do- Self motivation (ask God to give us this in abundance, oh Lord help us). And why little? “For he who is trusted with little will be trusted over much” Luke 16:10. God won’t expand yet when we can’t manage little. “..and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much”. God often tests our character with “little things”. Be diligent in the “little things” , whether in saving money, using time wisely, or being faithful in prayers, etc. Each small step is a seed. Over time, God multiplies those small acts of stewardship into greater responsibilities, greater blessings, and greater opportunities to serve.
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Be blessed dear sisters.
“Each small step is a seed. Over time, God multiplies those small acts of stewardship into greater responsibilities, greater blessings, and greater opportunities to serve.” Amen, Mercy! [heart]
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Thank you for this, Sister. ♥️ MERCY
Have been under the weather for a while but I am trying to keep up with you all. I read the comments and they are so encouraging! And I pray a speedy recovery and healing for all of the ladies who have been under the weather. God is faithful.
When I was a little girl, I would leave the city in the summers and go stay with my grandmother. She lived in a rural area and had, what appeared to be over a 100 acre farm field, right in front of her house across the road. My cousin would often love riding our bikes in the parks and wooded areas. I would follow her closely because I was not familiar with the path we would be riding on but I knew she was. I would follow her on my bike keeping my eyes on her because I knew if I took my eyes off of her, I may lose her if she suddenly decided to turn. I wasn’t scared or frightened of where we were going (often in wooded areas) because I knew she knew where the fun parks were and how to get back to our r grandma’s house. So I followed her, intently looking at her every move and turn so that I would know I was on the right path.
This came to my mind when I read the first couple of verses. We all are on a path- the narrow way and Jesus is leading us. He calls us to walk behind him, following his every step. Our feet in step with His and when I makes a stop – we stop. We keep our eyes on Him so that we will know that we are indeed following Him and keeping to the right way. He orders those steps. He leads us onward. He makes sure we don’t slip and keeps us in step with Him. We are sheep who are following our Great Shepherd and He steers us onward. If we didn’t fix our gaze on Him, and keep our eyes on following Him, we wouldn’t know the right way to go. Thy Word is a lamp into my feet and a light into my path. He calls us forward and, by His Spirit, leads us forward, step by step. When he turns and the seasons of our life change, we turn and we walk into a new season with Him as our faithful guide.
I wondered why these verses were put together with the contrasting verses describing diligence and laziness but I realized those verses in Proverbs 4:25-27 are the starting points. I can’t be diligent if I’m not focused. I can’t be diligent if I’m always easily moved away from following Christ, overcome with the noise of the world and its cares.
These verses call us to be diligent about how we pursue wealth and how we work. Business, vocation, careers are but a few of the ways we are called to be diligent. I think it definitely starts in our personal lives… being diligent in our service and to the King of our hearts in praying, worshiping, reading His Word, and fasting. God rewards our diligence to Him by way of spiritual fruit and virtues. She Reads Truth is a great movement to getting us in our Word day by day. When we miss days, as I have, we have ladies who encourage us onward to be faithful and diligent. I know I have personally been encouraged by the group. SRT is a tool to help us be more diligent in the Word and growing in Jesus. Our talents, our gifts, our time, our efforts are all things we can be diligent about.
In my opinion, rest and laziness are very different. Diligence is rewarded by rest in order to continue to be diligent. Rest is an important facet of diligence. God diligently spoke creation into being, filling the earth in Chapter 1,2 of Genesis. The Word that God rested from his work. Rest is a chance to be refreshed and renewed so that diligence in work can continue. Rest also accompanies sickness and affliction. Laziness, however, is the unwillingness to do any work or put up an effort.
I actually saw a great deal about how to work in Proverbs 13:11. Firstly, work honestly and with integrity. Unfortunately this is something we don’t see in the world. Because of the love of money and the inability to wait patiently for hard work to pay off in profit, some companies cut corner and act dishonestly in their business practices. The Word cautions that that wealth will eventually dwindle, wealth gotten dishonestly. The Bible says don’t despise small beginnings. Folks want quick money quickly and are sometimes willing to get quick money by not putting in the hard work that, with time, will eventually produce financial growth and harvest. They don’t want to wait and put in the hard work needed to hone their craft and build up their skills. This scripture shows that we must be honest in obtaining wealth, and work diligently so that the fruits of our labor will grow and last.
UCOBB, this is rich! Thank you for taking the time to share while you are under the weather! Praying for speedy recovery!
Laziness is an overindulgence in rest or looking for excuses not to work. God calls us to be honest in our efforts without pushing ourselves. We’re no good if we’re exhausted but when that exhaustion leads to turning away from the work all together thats where you get the laziness. I fought with myself a lot this morning about rest (I woke up exhausted after 50+ hour work week) and allowed myself Grace in God to rest but to make plans for when I’m going to get back to it and how I’m going to better approach that next challenge. Wishing you all a happy Tuesday and plentiful rest so we can resume the diligent work we’ve been prepared for.
So true…. Over extending ourselves can definitely lead to exhaustion. I have dealt with that in motherhood. Happy Tuesday!
Laziness to me is when you don’t do anything. You don’t further the kingdom. You don’t work and support yourself. You expect others to take care of you. (unless you are sick) I also believe in wealth gained hastily doesn’t last. You grow it slowly.
‘You don’t further the Kingdom’ What a perspective! …. I thought about Jesus great commission to make disciples. The Bible says a man(or woman) who wins souls is wise. Building up others into maturity…. Thank you for that.
I like Tanya’s comment that ‘work is an honest way to build wealth’.
If that produces fruit financially or otherwise God has always made it clear that work is a worthwhile activity as long as it fits with his goals. Once we begin trying to cheat the system, get paid for laziness or use our fruits in a way that does not reflect positively on the Lord, it is no longer for a good reason. Perhaps that rest not only replenishes our soul but also allows us to reset, putting God at the forefront before heading back into the world once again!.
Diligence vs Laziness: I wrestle with this one. I admit to hitting a wall now and then when I just don’t want to deal with whatever task lies before me for that day.. It’s good that God paired me to a man who sets an example of purpose before me or I might slip into that desire to be selfish and only do what I want.(like read a book all day. So many books and so little time! Haha)
Seriously though we are good for each other… I remind him that planned resting is a necessary gift from God and he in turn recharges my desire to take satisfaction in work that is well done.
Yes, REST is a gift… I agree.
Oh boy do I relate to this! I read…a lot! And my husband works and comes home and works on all the projects…and I read! Lol.
I was blessed to have a career that I loved, and was God ked for sure! I wish I would have been more diligent in sharing Jesus all those years though! It was perfect grounds and opportunities to pray with clients and talk with them about Jesus! (Personal training for 25+ years – they always shared their problems and issues and had a need for healing!)
When we talk about be a hard worker bothe my dad and my husband come to mind instantly. But is important to put the rest in there. And Resting in Jesus and being diligent to work for Jesus is the key to life! What good would be working hard your whole life, well except feeding and providing for your family, lol, but to not know the Lord? It seems sad, because they indeed worked with purpose and intent their whole life just to go to hell? That would be so tragic, yet there had to be opportunities for them to grab on to Him?!
Now days I can’t train or work with so much chronic pain and often feel “lazy” from resting my back so much. But then when I do any chores I make it worse, it is frustrating for sure and a fine line. God has giving me more with the little he started me with just a few short years ago! My main priority is to follow Him and not go ahead or fall behind! To stay on the path! How wonderful it is! We can easily make our work for God the priority over being with God. It takes mindfulness to stay in the word, and also just simply sitting in the quiet to hear what he says(this is the hardest for me!).
Thank you for the prayers, we are to Ky! Mainly thank you for prayers for Tiffany, I encouraged her to share with me her past that it might be helpful and it was heartbreaking to read. But when you hear these horrible things in our butterflies’ lives it is so easy to see how and why they have ended up in jail. It’s not an excuse for committing wrongs, yet you can see the need to drink and do drugs to cover the intense pain that you can’t understand happened to you as a young child and teen. This was by her own father. How can you wrap your head around it if we can’t even? But God, thank Heavens we Do have a way past it and the Healing ONLY He can do! She had been arrested over 30 times, but last year she said she walked into our class and our leader prayed with her and told her to lay it down at His feet. I share with you so you can continue to lift her up, but also to have more understanding for those that seem to be lazy and/or continue to take to drugs and the streets. Same with homeless, many just have struggled with evil that we dont know and uts our duty to fight evil. It is indeed a war against the devil and all his many works. How amazing it would be for church people to get out of church and the “fun” volunteer opportunities but to go to the oppressed and poor in spirit!? The addicted and lost.
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I agree….most of Jesus ministry was outside of the temple walls. May God give you relief and comfort from the chronic pain you face. Thanks be to God, there is purpose even in our affliction.
Yes, amen, thank you!
When do you leave Kentucky? Prayers for the rest of your journey home! Great word as always! ♥️♥️♥️
(I tried pasting your hearts. Hope it worked since my computer won’t do one!
Wow, it worked!
I know, I’m on my phone and was happy to use real hearts finally! I dont know how on my laptop. I think leaving Thursday later in the day, my husband plans it so we miss Nashville and Atlanta AND Tampa high traffic! So we usually are driving all night! I wanted to visit my dad longer but my pain pills couldnt transfer but thank God I had extra, but out on friday!!
You want to come meet me on I75 south??! Lol
I think you have to be so strong to be in jail ministry. Maybe you don’t realize it sometimes. Tiffany reminds me of Joyce Meyers and the glory of God’s healing through family abuse.
I never would have thought it would be a ministry I could love so much! But it is tough to know that many will not change course and go back to what they know. I wonder if Joyce Meyers has a book specifically on that.
What do these proverbs call us to be diligent about? Staying on the path of diligence in our work.
In your opinion, what is the difference between laziness and rest? The intention behind it. Rest is to recuperate, laziness is an active choice to be idle.
What does Proverbs 13:11 teach us about how to work? Take things in small bites. Don’t gorge yourself on whatever it is that is giving yourself pleasure so that you’ll become lazy.
I have struggled with laziness a lot, I admit I am not a hard worker!
I do love to rest as well!
Being diligent in our work and walking in purpose is so important! Thankful for each of your encouraging comments as I continue to job search & seek God’s plan for my life. I got approved for an apartment yesterday afternoon & my current nanny family has said that I can stay on with them as I job hunt. I’m taking that as a sign that God is still calling me to be here. Trusting in His timing! Lifting up your requests!!
Congratulations on the approval!
Laziness versus rest… that’s a toughie. And then throw in diligence. I am so much like Martha… So. Much. Diligence. I should pay more attention to the rest part. Rest (versus laziness) I think is diligent too. It is active. (Laziness is not.)
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More to ponder on today.
Amen!
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We are call to be diligent about staying on the path of wisdom, following Jesus. God’s way of doing and being.
Laziness is avoiding honest fruit producing labor. Laziness is not bearing fruit
Rest is when you cease from your work to renew and replenish yourself in God. To allow the body to cease from labor. To refresh the neshama with communion with God. Neshama is the soul.
Work is the honest way to build wealth. G-d gave Adam a vocation.
Our society has produced a lot of ways to make fast and easy money. However verse 12 says”but laziness will lead to forced labor”. I look at a lot crime documentaries where people wanted fast and easy money and went to prison for crime. If you go to prison that is forced labor
I like this! ♥️
❤️ laziness will lead to forced labour. Reminds me of Dave Ramsey’s famous words, you either choose the pain or the pain will choose you. He counselled people all day long and after a while you can see the psychology that leads to poverty.
My thoughts today rested on Proverbs 4:25-26. I looked it up on bible ref and that took me to other scriptures that tied in…”The book of Proverbs assumes a progression from learning to knowledge to wisdom to understanding. Those who have wisdom have the ability—but not the guarantee—of acting according to godly knowledge. In order to maintain good use of wisdom, a person must be purposeful and careful.”
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Proverbs 4:20-21: “When walking, a person who deliberately considers where he steps is far likely to stumble or fall into a trap.” So true!
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James 4:14-16: Here “the apostle James warns against making plans without considering the Lord’s will.”
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Ephesians 5:15-16: “affirms Solomon’s advice by telling us: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
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Other verses that came to my mind:
-Hebrews 12:2- Fix your eyes on Jesus
-Psalm 119:105 – God’s word is a lamp and a light for our feet and path
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Whatever we do, we are to do it as unto the Lord – faithfully and diligently, especially keeping in mind our daily walk.
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In my opinion, the difference between laziness and rest: a lazy person just doesn’t want to work but wants everyone else to do the work for them. A person who rests takes time out to recuperate and get refreshed so that when returning can be much more productive.
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Laziness and diligence can refer to our spiritual work and walk as well as our physical.
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@Teresa Donley – I was so sorry to read yesterday that you are still not feeling well. Prayers that you will get completely better soon!
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Asking prayers for peace, calm and no stress or anxiety as Jeff and I get ready for our trip to the UK. We leave on Sunday night.
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Happy Wednesday Sweet She’s!
Thank you for the scriptures!!
:Whatever we do, we are to do it as unto the Lord – faithfully and diligently, especially keeping in mind our daily walk.”
Like you, Colossians 3:23 came to my mind as I read, and I see that Tina mentioned it, too.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
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My eyes will look forward. I will be careful where my feet go. I will not swerve to the right or to the left. At least do my best not to. Wow! Just how I felt yesterday. AND FYI, I did ask forgiveness of colleagues yesterday although one of them is VERY hard working! And the way I was feeling was not towards her. Okay….WOW! This was spot on! However as I was praying yesterday and taking to my to sweet friends I feel Proverbs 4:25-27 is something I will apply. Taking a DEEP breath. Please know I don’t work hard for others to see or that I’m good. I see it as the job (sweeping and cleaning) needs to get done! Thankfully there is another gal who comes in to help during the students lunch and she too is very hard working and helps clean up all-the-time! Okay…speaking of work…gotta go! Love you all to the moon and back!
Those verses produced much thought and reflection in me too!
GM ladies. “Carefully consider the path of your feet and all your ways will be established”. This has some intentionality to it. Not just going about my day doing what I want, but rather seeking God’s will for the big and the small tasks before me.
Tami, this is one of my biggest struggles as a retiree. Just trying to balance doing work for others and discerning how God would have me spend my days. Last year was my first year retired and I spent a lot of the year helping my daughter with her two little boys But this year it looks like I’m not needed that much so now I feel like I’m floundering a bit. I’m striving to seek God‘s wisdom on how he would have me spend my days and how to carefully consider the path for my feet so my ways will be established.
I hear you. I,to am retired,and am looking for a part-time job. I’ve always worked and struggle with being at home all the time. I do have a knitting ministry and am in a Bible study , but praying for a part-time job
A knitting ministry, tell us more!! I have always wanted to learn to knit!
The difference between laziness and rest is that laziness is doing nothing or less than we can or should, however rest is trusting God with what we can’t do. Resting isn’t necessarily doing nothing, it’s spiritual, it’s trust and faith. God will always come through for me.
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Rest is trust and faith… love that!
Acts 20:24
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus — the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
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I hate to just copy and paste, but I am fighting the clock this morning!
Warren Wiersbe cited some great Scriptures related to this topic in his study notes that really address our reflection cues:
Chapter 10:4-5
“One of the blessings of diligent labor is the joy of developing the kind of ability and character that others can trust, thereby fitting ourselves for the next responsibility God has prepared for us. …
The lazy person also wastes God-given opportunities. When the fields are ready for harvest, the reapers have to go to work because the opportunity won’t be there forever (John 4:27–38). Diligent people are alert to their God-given opportunities and seek to make the most of them.”
On verse 24 he says-
“Lazy people lose their freedom and become enslaved to others. Their debts accumulate to the point where they have to become slaves in order to work off what they owe (see Lev. 25:39–55; Deut. 15:12–18). The “easy life” of leisure turns out to be very costly, as the sluggard exchanges a pillow for a plow and has to work off his or her debts the hard way. In our day we might say we are experiencing an epidemic of laziness with the misuse of credit.”
On 22:24 he says-
“This verse states that competent, skilled workers will succeed in their work. Diligent hands are directed by a diligent heart, and this means the discipline of the inner person. “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (4:23). When we cultivate the inner person through prayer, meditation on the Word, and submission to the Lord, then we can experience the joys of a disciplined and diligent life. “The fruit of the Spirit is . . . self-control” (Gal. 5:22, 23).
The reward for faithful hard work is—more work! As Jesus described God’s recognition for a life well-lived, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matt. 25:21; see Luke 19:16–19).”
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Oof- gotta run- I will have to do replies later!
Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Love this! Thank you!
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Sharp observation: lazy people become enslaved❤️ the lender and the borrower concept. You always surprise me with your research of rare gems. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bless you, dear Mercy! ❤ All credit to Biblegateway resources! I use it almost every day!
Make hay while the sun shines
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Help me today, Lord, to be always mindful of you. I desire to be diligent in your teachings and to work for your glory. As we go out to workplaces, schools, homes give us the opportunity to share more of you.
AMEN!
Take pride in your work, whether on the job or spreading God’s word, helping a neighbor, answering a question.
Working can be disguised laziness … working slower than expected, working sloppily or inefficiently, working half heartedly.
Be diligent in paying attention while working, keeping a biblically trained eye on the lookout for evil traps.
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CLAUDIA GOMEZ
TERESA DONLEY – thankful you are better, praying for full recovery soon
CEE GEE your Wiersbe share re:midday aligns with my NKJV translation ❤️ thanks for the details! And that Revelations verse, teary eyed after reading it and your kind words. Praying for your day to go well. Annemarie ❤️
JESSICA THOMAS ❤️
CHERYL BLOW ❤️ “all worked up over something that doesn’t matter eternally” amen. I’ve worked on taming my temper for decades as my initial, unrestrained response was (and still could be if I’m not careful) to fly off the handle. I try to ask myself, does it really matter? will it matter next week? Next month? Will I even remember it next year?
RHONDA J safe travels ❤️ great song, I Thank God. Praying for Tiffany
SUSAN BURLEY – praying for guidance in your job search and decisions
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – re sharing with grocery store friends. Trying to think about door openers … I try to look for places in conversations to mention church, Bible study, prayer for something that’s mentioned. Maybe throw on a cute tshirt with a message?
MERCY ❤️
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Please continue to pray for my friend’s teens – daily constant battle for their hearts and minds
Thank you Searching for “door-opener”ideas!…I do have a jean jacket that says on the back in big letters, “Jesus Never Fails”. Some shoppers have commented on it at times – what I need is to be “quick on my feet” and be able to have a really good, spiritual response – not just a, “oh, thank you” and “He never does”!
I’m with you, Sharon. I often wear shirts that have verses on them and often get responses and I say thank you. I need to have a Godly response or let it be a conversation starter.
You be praying for me, and I’ll be praying for you! ❤️
My closet has become full of scripture tshirts! I never get any comments on them though! They remind me of my sweet madre that always wire those kinda tshirts. I like that they are very trendy now!
Great idea! I have one that says “Normal isn’t coming back, but Jesus is.” It gets attention and is pretty much self- explanatory! lol
When I see a someone wearing a cool Christian t-shirt, I do my best to make a connection and comment on it, hoping it will get the attention of other people.
Thank you!! Lifting up your request!!
Love this, Searching! Thank you for the sweet words of encouragement, too! Hugs!
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Praying for the teens and wisdom for your friend. May God give favours to achieve love and peace in the house.❤️
We are to remain steady on the path God has called us to and focused on Him. To work little by little is to be consistent
Lord help me to trust so I can rest in You. In Jesus name, Amen
Simple and powerful❤️
U am a tad late to the table, though i had read through the passages earlier. I have an old colleague coming to lunch and I wanted her to deliver some cookies to some of the people I used to cook for, who will be meeting tomorrow..
I made the dough, and I thought and prayed. I rolled the dough, and I breathed in and I breathed out, I cut out the shapes, and I gave thanks whilst I praised God for the gift of these hands that are able to show gratitude to the people I have been blessed to serve over the years, both physically and spiritually.
A true honour!
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Thank you Father God.
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That wouldn’t have been possible..
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BUT for GOD..
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Father God covered me with His grace, mercy and hope that I would be His hands and feet, and that as I have received so I will give out..
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I think of RHONDA and her prison visits, never faltering and working as if for the LORD.
It truly is an amazing thing when you realize God is present each day in your diligence, filling you with his peace and grace, love and the strength needed to be His representative to those who do not know Him..
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BUT GOD..
I will diligently listen for the voice of the LORD my GOD, and do, by His grace, what is right in His sight, obeying, please GOD, His commandments, for i know He will cover me in His faithful love and grace..(Exodus 15:26 in my own words)
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Amen..
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Happy Tuesday my dears.. Be blessed, whatever your day looks like..
Much love,
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Tina..❤️❤️❤️❤️
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It for sure is a passion to go and share the Lord, encourage and strengthen them in their walk, and pray together! It builds my faith as I see God change these ladies from their first time in as time goes by each week. And it blesses me to be useful to the Lord, there is indeed nothing better!!
It is amazing how you have used your talent dear Tina to cook for the underprivileged, food is comfort and nutrients! Can’t live with out it!
AMEN!! Love this!
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Amen❤️
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. I’ve been learning again to appreciate my job and all the benefits I’ve gained. I’ve been with my firm for 10 years and it’s easy to get caught up in the politics of office life, but at the end of the day I am trying to be a loyal and hard-working employee. Worthy and useful of God’s given gifts. This job has allowed me more time at home with my babies by going on a reduced schedule and I never want to take that for granted.
That is a wise stand to take. May God continue to increase you there and use you for His glory!
We need to be diligent about using the gifts and talents the Lord has given us to do the work He sends our way, paid and unpaid.
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Laziness avoids work, and rest is a pause in work. This one can be a bit subjective, so trying not to judge the capacity of others based on the appearance. I struggle with seeing corners cut at work not thinking the person is lazy. But stopping and asking myself if his/her way is more efficient or if the steps not taken are really necessary.
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Proverbs 13:11 teach us that honest work is what will bring in what we need.
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It may be in the “see more” part for those who have the book, but I think my favorite Proverb on this topic is 26:14. “A door turns on its hinges,
and a slacker, on his bed.”
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MERCY & MARI V – cannot wait to hear from you on this topic❣️
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RHONDA J – safe travels. Praying for Tiffany.
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SUSAN BURLEY – praying the Lord gives you obvious direction.
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DANIELLA HAYES – hope your presentation went well and the opportunity offered to your “adversary” was received.
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TERESA DONLEY – praying for a full recovery for you and your husband.
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UCOBB – praying your son is well soon.
Thank you so much!!
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Thank you searching!
Kelly!
Don’t be lazy. Laziness is resting before the work is done, before you’ve done what needs to be done for the day. It’s mindless and not wise. Work by chipping away at the task over time vs procrastinating and having to rush.
This!
This morning’s readings made me think about my attitude of diligence/laziness with regards to serving Jesus, investing in his kingdom, being involved in loving my neighbour and serving my church family.
The first reading Prov 4vs25-27 reminded me so much of Luke 9vs62 “Jesus said to him “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God””
It’s a challenge to me to be diligent and wholehearted about serving Jesus. Steadily, without cutting corners, as Prov 13vs11.
Lord Jesus, help me work for you today.
Same Ruth! I think of all the wasted years, where I loved the Lord, but did nothing to further his kingdom! I feel it is so much wasted time, for what is more important?! People remember me as sweet and good perhaps, but that doesnt point to Jesus, there are good people.
Oh I feel the same. So many opportunities I have missed and time wasted. Love that scripture in Luke…… It really is a challenge… but one I will never stop fighting for. Thank you!