MEDITATIONS FROM PROVERBS

 

August 1 , 2007

Reading: Proverbs 15:14-19

 

"The way of a lazy man is like a hedge of thorns” Proverbs 15:19

 

The KJV translates the word ‘lazy’ as ‘slothful’, and as such places it opposite in its meaning to ‘righteous’. It is surprising as we might define the opposite to slothful as diligent. One of the glorious elements of scripture is the way in which many of its concepts can be understood from both the temporal and spiritual viewpoints: that which is true in our life as we walk this earth and that which is true in our spiritual life.

In the temporal realm the lazy man immediately disobeys one of the requirements of God, "In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread" Genesis 3:19.

Paul continues this thought when he wrote to the Christians at Thessalonica, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" 2 Thessalonians 3:10. To the uninformed the lazy man has it “easy.” He scrounges off of society and even dupes the government into paying for his lifestyle. Yet very few are happy and content. There is a sense of accomplishment, achievement and self-satisfaction that comes with diligence. Our text tells us that “the way of a lazy man is like a hedge of thorns.”

Commenting on this verse C.H. Spurgeon said,

 

“The sluggard is not righteous, for he does not render to God according to the strength lent to him, nor to man according to the work assigned him. A slothful man is a soldier who would let others fight the battle of life while he lies under the baggage-wagon asleep, until rations are served out.”

 

The spiritual application of these words is also true, that a righteous person cannot be slothful in his duty toward God. Jesus said, "Thou wicked and slothful servant" Matthew 25:26. Those two words are nearly related—" wicked and slothful." Why didn’t Jesus use the word “slothful” alone? He might have, but he knew how much wickedness is associated with slothfulness, and is inherent in it; and, therefore, he branded it with the condemning word.

Another aspect of this truth is—avoiding laziness is not enough, we must also be righteous. Many men and women are extremely diligent in their business and home life, yet this is not what God looks for in a person. His requirement of every person is righteousness. But how can one who is unrighteous become righteous from God’s point of view?

Our text also tells us “the way of the upright is a highway.” So also is the way to righteousness. While it is true that the road that leads to heaven is narrow, it is also straight, so there is not any confusion as to the way. It is also like the modern highway complete with spiritual billboards and signs that keep us on the right road.

Every person must first come to the realization that there is nothing they can do to store up sufficient self-righteousness that will eventually become acceptable to God. The only righteousness acceptable to Him is His own! It alone is perfect and untarnished. The way it is credited to us is through salvation. When Jesus Christ becomes our Savior His righteousness is imputed to us, Romans 4:11. It is literally placed in us because the Holy Spirit now dwells inside us. This is the wonderful transformation we all receive when we are born again: our sin was imputed to Jesus, who died on the cross because of it, and His righteousness is imputed to us making us acceptable to God. What an exchange!

That which is therefore expected of one who is righteous in the eyes of God is

 

“Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” 2 Peter 3:14.