Proverbs 10:1-11:13
You might notice that our text today is quite different from Proverbs 1-9. I could address that here, but rather than repeat myself, I’ll ask you please just to look back at the first link from 2022 below. I’ll wait…
So, making no attempt to cover all the individual proverbs in today’s reading, I’ll pick just one. Let’s see. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe…
A slack hand causes poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich.Proverbs 10:4
Hopefully, the truth of this proverb as a “general rule” should be fairly obvious to all of us. (If it is not, then perhaps you should reconsider your worldview.) It should also be fairly obvious that at any given moment we can find some counterexamples; that is, we can point to lazy rich people and hard-working poor people for whom the end results of this proverb have not yet materialized. (Even so, though, disregarding other factors, given enough time, the lazy rich will squander their wealth and become poor, and the hard-working poor will eventually be less poor, perhaps even rich.) All of that goes to say that we need to be careful how we read such proverbs. We cannot say that diligent hard work always produces abundant wealth; nor can we say that sloth instantaneously impoverishes. But we can most certainly say that (wholesome) hard work is a good deal more likely to improve one’s economic condition than just sitting around doing nothing.
No wishful thinking by individuals, business owners, or governments will ever change that reality. So if you have any desire to improve your own (or anyone else’s) economic condition, recognizing the truth of this proverb — and acting accordingly — is a good place to start.
See also:
I’m struck by the numerous times that the word “discipline” appears in the bible. I don’t have any commentary to add, other than considering what parts of my spiritual life and worldly life could benefit from a dose of discipline.
You are not alone, Jim!