Self Check

(Proverbs 6:11 KJV)  So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

“One that travelleth” (vagabond NASB) (1980) is what a previous generation would have called a hobo or tramp.  In theory there is a difference but both have the mystic of being free spirits with no roots.  Often there is a concern about them having sticky fingers for things not tied down.  If you are familiar with Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” you get the idea.

This verse is reminding us that one of the biggest causes of poverty is sloth and lack of integrity.  Modern social justice warriors don’t like that.  They need a rich person to blame.  Oppression happens.  Even more common, at least in this country, is lazy.  Most poor people are not lazy.  Many lazy people are not poor.  The intersection is bigger than we want to admit.

So?  Keep in mind this is not an excuse to judge others.  This is intended as a standard by which we can evaluate our own actions and attitudes.  This is for you to apply to you and me to apply to me.  It works best that way.