(Proverbs 12:27 KJV) The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
Adam Clarke in his 18th century commentary suggests that the lazy man never goes hunting and thus has nothing to “roast” (2760). That would go along with other passages that give sloth as one of the causes of poverty. Before you get judgmental consider the order. It is not saying that the hungry are lazy but that the lazy will go hungry. Thus it is not saying that the poor are lazy but the lazy will be poor.
I am looking at it today in a relative more than an absolute sense. I am not saying, “Aha! You are poor so you are lazy.” I am asking myself what blessings and life riches I have missed because I was too slothful to discipline myself. What books have I not read? What worship have I missed? What friends have I lost?
So? I am striving to be more diligent in how I spend my time. A nap would be nice and at times might be necessary but do I really need to read that novel? I will check my balance and leave you to check yours.
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2 comments:
What an excellent treatment. Some of the lazy are not poor, of course, but only because they have the fruit of someone else's labor to rely upon, but not for long (e.g. Prov 20:21) I suppose.
As I read your comments it came to me that this principle could apply to churches and other organizations as well.
Grace and peace.
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