WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT LAZINESS

Proverbs 13:4 " The soul of the sluggard desireth , and hath nothing: but soul of the delight shall be made fat "

Laziness: [synonymous to] idleness, lethargy, indolence, languor, sluggishness or SLOTHFULNESS

In Proverbs 6:4-11, the Bible discusses the issues about SLOTHFULNESS [Laziness].

The ENCOURAGEMENT: Proverbs 6:4-5 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

As Christians, we are encouraged by the word of God not to be complaisant when it comes to our tasks and duties especially in our ministries, for we know not when the Lord may come. We must always do our best [Ecclesiastes 9:10] and do things for His glory.

The EXAMPLE: Proverbs 6: 6-8 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

King Solomon used the ant as an example that we should follow. The ant has been famous in all ages for its social habits, foresight, economy and industry. In Proverbs 30:25, the storing, provident habit of the ant is noticed.

The QUESTION: Proverb 6: 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

This is the question that must be asked in times we are falling into the snares of laziness. How long?

The CONSEQUENCE: Proverbs 6: 10-11 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Poverty, this word found but once in the Old Testament [Genesis 45:11] outside of the Book of Proverbs in which it occurs 11 times. It means bearing the idea of being in need of the necessities of life. In Proverbs 6: 10-11, have shown the consequence of laziness, which is POVERTY. We are able to conquer these by ACTIVITY and DILIGENCE. Being vigilant and active- that is the secret of PROSPERITY [Proverbs 20:13]