This chapter continues the wise sayings of Solomon, several of which are long-form (multiple verses rather than single verses).
“I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (v30-34)
According to the Bible, and a realistic study of life in general, there is no such thing as ‘neutral’ or ‘status quo’ without applied effort. There’s always a give or take, a gain or loss, a fluctuation. For example, the field analogy in this passage – it takes active upkeep for the land to be productive, otherwise through inactivity the land is unproductive. There isn’t any point where active upkeep can be withdrawn and the land will continue to be self-sustaining in the long-term.
Life in general is similar – if we withdraw our efforts from a relationship, eventually that relationship withers and fades. If we quit applying ourselves at our day job, we’ll (eventually) lose that income. A vehicle without proper maintenance eventually breaks down. Everything ceases to function properly without proper care.
I’ve struggled with procrastination most of my adult life. I’m slowly learning that there can be significant consequences to this form of laziness. If we put things off too long, the work/cost required to restore that relationship / property / etc. is significantly greater than it would have been if we had ‘maintained’ it all along.
I encourage us (especially myself) to actively fight laziness / procrastination. I know it’s hard, and excuses are plentiful. Yet, to quit investing in the important things in life (eg. relationships, our spiritual growth, etc.) would be foolish, and costly in the long run. Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to help us invest wisely, and in a timely manner.
Father God, our Wise and Diligent Lord, You have given us many good examples of hard work and reward, as well as laziness and loss. Father may we embrace the strength and discernment that You plentifully provide, and engage where You lead us. May we be diligent in the work of our hands, caring for those around us, and being good stewards of the resources You provide. May we carefully obey You in our balance of work and rest, and may we look to You for motivation when our internal motivation wavers. We wish to serve You and Your people with our words and actions, to the best of our ability, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training