“Poor is he who works with a negligent and idle hand, But the hand of the diligent makes him rich. 5He who gathers during summer and takes advantage of his opportunities is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps during harvest and ignores the moment of opportunity is a son who acts shamefully.” Proverbs 10:4-5 AMP

One of the greatest struggles I have as a Pastor is deciding who it is that gets financial help. I keep telling my wife that I have the “lost puppy dog” syndrome. My hearts breaks whenever I see people struggling and everything in me wants to help, even at the sacrifice of our own security. The Scriptures however give us guidelines by which we should measure these issues and how to respond. The age-old adage of, “Give a man a fish and he will be hungry tomorrow. Teach a man to fish and he will be fed for life” is ever so true.

This section in Proverbs spell out the hard reality of being lazy versus needing help. I totally understand the reality of those who are truly not able to help themselves against those who just want a free ride. The word “negligent” here is the Hebrew word used to describe a cord or a string that is not being held taut! It speaks of the string on a bow which provides the energy to propel the arrow to its intended target. Literally we could say that the string is not using its strength for the intended purpose. All the properties needed to perform the tasks are present, but the sting is lying limp! That is a perfect picture of the lazy person. All the potential to be functional is there but it is not being used. The Apostle Paul put it out there bluntly,

“For even while we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is [b]not to eat, either. 11Indeed, we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined and inappropriate life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies [meddling in other people’s business].12Now such people we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work quietly and earn their own food and other necessities [supporting themselves instead of depending on the hospitality of others]. 13And as for [the rest of] you, [c]believers, do not grow tired or lose heart in doing good [but continue doing what is right without weakening].”

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 AMP

Notice that while being stern on those who can work, Paul encourages the believer to continue to have compassion and support those who cannot! Christians are called to be productive all areas of their life. As each piece of the body performs its function the whole benefits. Work isn’t easy at times. I remember working for the airline in Pittsburgh. Northeastern winters are no fun at all! There were nights in February that we froze on the ramp loading and unloading the aircraft. I would have given everything to be inside sitting in the managers chair but that wasn’t my job. I agreed when I started to load and unload aircraft wherever and whenever it needed to be done. It taught me to be committed and to endure whatever the obstacles were to get the job done! The rollover from that was into other areas of my life. It helped build discipline and determination into my young life! That is what entry level jobs do for a person. They build character and commitment. They were not meant to be careers. 

Our opening verse says that “the hand of the diligent makes him rich.” The word here is the picture of a moat around a castle. It refers to the fact that hard work is a security from the dangers of poverty. It speaks about a person who is characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out a task. That is what good employee does! Today however we see the opposite in play. The employer is to produce for the employee. I am not saying that there are not those who take advantage of their employees. The Scripture has plenty of warnings for them also. I am however reminded that we are only as good as our word. If we agree to do something for some amount then change because we feel someone else is getting more, we are wrong! Let me leave you with these verses,

“Servants, in everything obey those who are your masters on earth, not only with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart because of your fear of the Lord. 23Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.”

Colossians 3:21-24 AMP

Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken