The Bible addresses many topics that are applicable to today’s society. Something that is common in every society is laziness. Therefore, in the pages of Scripture, hard work is elevated, and laziness is condemned. This is seen frequently among the Biblical Proverbs. So, we will briefly and inadequately consider where this is seen in the book of Proverbs.
Take, for instance, Proverbs 13:4. Everyone wants something in life. However, not all are willing to put the effort in to attain what they desire. Solomon, in his wisdom, puts forth the idea that in order to be rich (either physically or spiritually), you have to start doing more and thinking about it less.
Another Proverb dealing with this topic is Proverbs 12:24. In a very general sense, if you work hard, you will be successful in life. But if you are lazy, you will generally be poor. Circumstances do not let this always be the case, but it is no coincidence that those who work hard usually end up being the lazy man’s boss.
In Proverbs 6:6-8, Solomon uses a very unique example. He uses an ant to get his point across. He, addressing the sluggard, tells him to look at an animal as an example of how to be. How an ant, though there is no one overseeing her work, is diligent. How interesting it is, that a creature created by God was designed to work her hardest.
Lastly, Proverbs 12:11 sets forth a very simple concept. He basically says, ‘If you work hard you will be fed.’ Again, this is simple, yet it is not always present in the lives of individuals. We can rely on God to bless us with many things. However, people take this to mean that there is nothing that is to be done on our part. God condemns laziness; therefore, we must work hard in order to receive His blessings.
In speaking of hard work seen in the book of Proverbs, this only scratched the surface. But I hope it has helped you come to see what God thinks about the man who works hard and the lazy man. There could be no conclusion drawn other than that God elevates the hard worker and condemns the lazy man. So, we each must ask ourselves, ‘which category do I fit in?’
-Brennan Hooper
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