Proverbs 13:1-13
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
Proverbs 13:4
while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
My guess is that Solomon primarily had material supply in mind here, where being a sluggard results in poverty, but diligent effort results in material gain. I think we can all attest to the truth of this proverb in that context. We have probably all known individuals who find every excuse to avoid work but who are always complaining about not having enough, always wanting what others have, but not getting it — and never acknowledging that their own lack of effort has anything to do with their lack of resources. And we have probably all likewise known folks who have worked hard all their lives and have done quite well for themselves — perhaps not billionaires, but comfortable nonetheless.
Note, though, that this proverb applies to just about anything, not just making a living. Success in anything requires at least some effort. Natural talent goes only so far. Show me an Olympic champion who never practiced his or her sport. Show me a concert violinist who performs but never practices. Michelangelo broke a lot of rocks before sculpting his “David”.
And, of course, the same is true in the spiritual realm as well, yet we often seem to think that knowing God should “just happen”. Just say “the sinner’s prayer” and that’s all there is to it, or maybe just go to church once a week. Never mind that the Church has advocated spiritual disciplines from the beginning to help equip the saints for the work of ministry. For example, most of you know that I am a fan of memorizing Scripture, which I have mentioned here a couple of times. But whenever I suggest it, the response is either silence or, “That’s too hard.” Likewise, I dare you to suggest fasting! (Just ask Deacon Todd about that…) The point is simply this: if we want to grow spiritually, we are likely going to need to work diligently for it.
As for me, I need to heed this proverb as much as anyone, for I am spiritually much closer to the sluggard than to the diligent.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
So true! I too am a member of SSC, spiritual sluggards crew. Thank you John, Fred, and all you others in RTB who help me dig deeper.
Prayer. Fasting. Reading. Study. Memorization. Meditation. Quietness. God has given us so many ways to grow in Him. It starts by starting and continues in diligence. I’ve clearly chosen reading and study as my lead spiritual discipline, but that does not at all excuse me from tapping into all that God has provided. Very, very many spiritual leaders point to prayer as the beginning of all the disciplines. That is the one that I need to cultivate!!
Amen! Prayer is, and always has been difficult for me. That discipline, I too, need to cultivate. Thanks for the encouragement!