Proverbs – Sayings Of SolomonSýnishorn

Warnings Against Laziness

One of the most toxic and dangerous attitudes in many parts of the world today is the spirit of entitlement. People have come to believe the lie that others—whether it’s the state or some more local institution—owe them. They believe they are entitled to have every benefit for nothing. They expect regular income, housing, food, medical care, and other necessities of life even though they make absolutely no contribution in return for them.

Now, there are cases where a person must have benefits for which they cannot directly and actively contribute. In such cases there must be provision. Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon talks about the importance of championing the causes of those who cannot speak or act for themselves. This is the character of God, who loves justice and hates it when the poor are disempowered.

But others become lazy and expect everything for nothing. To them, Solomon has some stern words of wisdom and warning: If you don’t plant seeds in the ground, you won’t have a harvest later. If you spend all your time sleeping, don’t be surprised if you wake up poor.

To all of those who have yielded to the spirit of entitlement and are living a life of indolence and inertia, Solomon’s word is firm and loving. “Wake up, sleepyhead!” (v. 13, TPT). If a person becomes active and intentional about work again, there will be plenty of food on the table.

Has a spirit of entitlement crept into your heart, turning you from passionate to passive? What area of entitlement or inactivity is the Holy Spirit highlighting in your life?