Spiritual Lessons from the Sloth in Proverbs

Positive Lessons from the Sloth in Proverbs

We can establish positive principles by reversing the qualities of the lazy man in Proverbs. The person who works diligently for God:

1. 10:5 Takes advantage of spiritual opportunities that come his way. When work or need arises, he jumps right in and works wholeheartedly.

2. 10:26 Has a strong sense of mission; lives to please the One who sent him--even when no one is around to see him. He realizes that one day he will have to give an account.

3. 10:27; 19:24 Follows through, especially in important matters.

4. 15:19 Consistently follows the path that the Bible has laid out. He sees this path clearly because it is unobstructed by sin and worldliness.

5. 19:15 Resists temptation to "take it easy" or "nap" spiritually. Keeps on persevering even when he is tired or weary.

6. 20:4 Will not allow hardship, adversity, opposition, or feelings to discourage him from working for the Lord. He looks at the future reward (harvest) rather than the present difficulties.

7. 21:25 Works hard to attain his goals, but is contented in the things he cannot change.

8. 24:30 Values what he has and takes care to maintain it. As soon as he sees a weed in the garden or crack in the wall he acts quickly to take care of it.

9. 26:13 Has a healthy confidence; he realizes that as he obeys the Lord he enjoys the full blessings, power, and protection of God. He doesn't allow remote or imaginary fears to paralyze himself into inactivity.

10. 26:16 Is humble and teachable. He regards the counsel of others and realizes that he doesn't know all the answers.

1.	10:5	Takes advantage of spiritual opportunities that come his way. When work or need arises, he jumps right in and works wholeheartedly.
2.	10:26	Has a strong sense of mission; lives to please the One who sent him--even when no one is around to see him. He realizes that one day he will have to give an account.
3.	10:27; 19:24	Follows through, especially in important matters.
4.	15:19	Consistently follows the path that the Bible has laid out. He sees this path clearly because it is unobstructed by sin and worldliness.
5.	19:15	Resists temptation to "take it easy" or "nap" spiritually. Keeps on persevering even when he is tired or weary.
6.	20:4	Will not allow hardship, adversity, opposition, or feelings to discourage him from working for the Lord. He looks at the future reward (harvest) rather than the present difficulties.
7.	21:25	Works hard to attain his goals, but is contented in the things he cannot change.
8.	24:30	Values what he has and takes care to maintain it. As soon as he sees a weed in the garden or crack in the wall he acts quickly to take care of it.
9.	26:13	Has a healthy confidence; he realizes that as he obeys the Lord he enjoys the full blessings, power, and protection of God. He doesn't allow remote or imaginary fears to paralyze himself into inactivity.
10.	26:16	Is humble and teachable. He regards the counsel of others and realizes that he doesn't know all the answers.