The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

LAZINESS AND SIN’S CURSE

Proverbs clearly says that laziness will lead to poverty, but laziness is not just a character defect that makes life a little more difficult. Laziness is a sin according to Proverbs. The lazy man has his field overgrown with thorns, which is a result of the curse on the ground because of Adam and Eve’s sin (Ge 3:18). Paul also connected laziness with sin in 1 Timothy 5:8: “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” The lack of a work ethic may be evidence of an insincere faith.

The good news is that Proverbs points to Jesus — the wisdom of God. During his time on earth, Jesus was a hard worker. Not only was he a carpenter, but he was supremely concerned with finishing the work the Father sent him to do. “ ‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work’ ” (Jn 4:34). As Jesus was praying to his Father he said, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do” (Jn 17:4). Also, Hebrews 1:3 states that Jesus is at work right now sustaining the world. In addition to being an example of a wise man who works hard, Jesus also transforms those who believe in him into his image — which includes overcoming the sin of laziness and becoming diligent in doing good (Gal 6:9).

Jesus, protect me from the temptation of laziness. Replace any inclination toward laziness with your wisdom and work ethic. Amen.