Proverbs 16:17-33
A worker’s appetite works for him;
Proverbs 16:26
his mouth urges him on.
Some people are just plain driven and work constantly, but they are the exceptions. Most of us gladly take advantage of paid time off. I’d even venture to say that if we were given unlimited paid time off, we’d take it, turning ourselves into the proverbial sluggard. (Pun intended.) The reason we aren’t all sluggards is that we are not given unlimited paid time off. Our appetite, particularly the possibility of real hunger (but even just the desire for better things), drives us to work so that we can get paid. And so we see the truth of this proverb.
We know from a variety of Scripture that care for the poor is close to God’s heart. Indeed we highlighted one such verse (Pr. 14:31) just a few days ago. On the other hand, little sympathy is given to the sluggard or to the wicked person whose own actions lead to their poverty. There is no suggestion that the sluggard should be rescued from the consequences of his laziness. (In fact, a couple proverbs would suggest no such rescue is even possible; see Pr. 19:24; 26:15.)
But what about public welfare? Our current system appears to ignore the truth of this proverb, paying trillions in excess unemployment benefits. Please do not misunderstand me. I am not advocating for oppressing the poor or just watching people starve — far from it. But perhaps we need to use a good deal more discernment in dispensing welfare. Sometimes we ought to let natural consequences yield their good results, allowing a little hunger to incentivize work.
Finally,
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
Proverbs 16:31
it is gained in a righteous life.
I guess I must be doing well… 🙂