Homilist Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. There are two powers constantly pressing their claims on men: those of duty and convenience. These two generally come into collision here. The sacrificing of duty to convenience is an immense evil, because — I. IT INVOLVES A SACRIFICE OF THE CULTIVATING SEASON. Sluggard neglects the seed-time. It is so with men who postpone their day of religious decision. The whole of their earthly life is intended as a season for cultivation. But a very large portion of the cultivating season is already gone. The residue of their time is very short, and very uncertain. II. BECAUSE IT INVOLVES A DISREGARD OF EXISTING FACILITIES. The sluggard had everything else necessary to cultivate his land. He disregarded all, because it was rather cold. It is so with those who are putting off religion. III. BECAUSE IT INVOLVES THE DECAY OF INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATION FOR THE WORK. The qualification for any work consists in a resolute determination, and a sufficiency of executive energy. While the sluggard was waiting, these two things were decreasing. IV. BECAUSE IT INVOLVES THE LOSS OF GREAT PERSONAL ENJOYMENT. He would lose the joy arising from fresh accessions of manly power; from the consciousness of having done his duty; a freedom to engage in any other affair; prospect of reward. V. BECAUSE IT INVOLVES A CERTAINTY OF ULTIMATE RUIN. Destitution. Degradation. Misery of these enhanced by their being — 1. Self-created. 2. Unpitied. 3. Irretrievable. Physical indolence brings physical ruin, moral indolence moral ruin. (Homilist). Parallel Verses KJV: The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. |
    |