(Prov 26:16 ERV) Lazy people think they are seven times smarter than the people who really have good sense.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” We have learned thus far that a lazy person is willing to make up outlandish excuses to avoid work, that they would rather “roll over” in bed than to “roll out” to go to work, and that it pains them to even lift a hand to feed themselves. Here Solomon gives us some insight as to why the lazy person lives this way. The lazy man is losing the battle in his own mind. He has convinced himself that he is smarter and more capable than others. He has even convinced himself that he is wiser than those who actually walk in wisdom daily; and while our text says “seven times smarter,” the number seven in scripture is often used to represent a “perfect number.” This definite number is often used for the indefinite. So Solomon could be saying that the lazy man believes he is indefinitely smarter than those who are actually wise.
In the New Testament Peter said, “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15&16). Peter, when teaching us to walk in the true wisdom of God, tells us to be ever ready to give an answer to those who question our faith, but he is clear that when we answer we are to do so with humility, gentleness, and respect. The truly wise, in God’s eyes, are never arrogant, pompous, or proud. They provide a soft answer that turns away wrath and they maintain internal peace, even when attacked. But someway, somehow, the lazy man has convinced himself that he is infinitely wiser than these. The Message Bible paraphrase of this verse reads: “Dreamers fantasize their self-importance; they think they are smarter than a whole college faculty.” This is a major problem, because the lazy man is deceived and he does not even know it. When people attempt to share with him the error of his ways, he simply shrugs-off their comments, because he has convinced himself that he is right and everyone else is wrong. He has become wise in his own eyes, and that is a dangerous place to be. He is clearly not wise, but since he has convinced himself that he is, he won’t listen to anyone else, or God for that matter, so he will remain in his perpetual state of laziness.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Remain active. The less you do, the less you want to do, and the more useless you become.
2. Stop making excuses. To keep your excuses from making you useless, stop making useless excuses.
3. Remain open to hear from others. There are no lone-rangers in Christ. You need others to grow, develop, and mature. Open the door to correction and instruction.
4. If you have been lazy lately, acknowledge the need for change. You will never get saved until you realize you are lost. You will never receive help until you recognize the fact that you need it. Take self-inventory. Have you been lazy in any area of your life (faith, family, fitness, finances, friends, etc.) lately? If you have, you have to acknowledge it. You will never overcome procrastination until you face it head on, in faith.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your Word. Your Word forces me to take self-inventory on a regular basis. Your Word exposes the areas of my life where I have been operating in pride and where I had convinced myself that I was winning, where in fact I have been losing. I was deceived, but today I stop being wise in my own eyes. I open the door to correction and instruction. I allow You to teach me through Your Word, Your Spirit, and others. I will stop making excuses, I will acknowledge the areas I need to work on, and I will overcome procrastination in those areas BY FAITH! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
