The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. The craving of the sluggardThe term "craving" in this context refers to a deep-seated desire or longing. In Hebrew, the word used is "ta'avah," which often denotes a strong, sometimes uncontrollable, desire. This craving is not inherently negative; it can drive individuals toward achieving goals. However, when associated with a "sluggard," it takes on a different connotation. The "sluggard" is a recurring character in Proverbs, representing laziness and a lack of initiative. The Hebrew word "atsel" describes someone who is habitually lazy, avoiding work and responsibility. This juxtaposition highlights a tragic irony: the sluggard has desires but lacks the will to fulfill them. Historically, in the agrarian society of ancient Israel, laziness could lead to dire consequences, such as poverty and hunger, emphasizing the importance of diligence. will kill him
The phrase "will kill him" is stark and dramatic, underscoring the severe consequences of laziness. The Hebrew verb "muth" is used here, which can mean to die or to be put to death. This is not necessarily a literal death but can be understood metaphorically. The sluggard's unfulfilled desires and lack of action lead to a kind of spiritual or existential death. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a warning that neglecting one's responsibilities and failing to act on one's desires can lead to a life devoid of purpose and fulfillment. The imagery of death serves as a powerful motivator, urging readers to avoid the path of the sluggard. because his hands refuse to work
The phrase "his hands refuse to work" paints a vivid picture of intentional inactivity. The Hebrew word "ma'en" means to refuse or to be unwilling, indicating a deliberate choice not to engage in productive activity. Hands are often symbolic of action and labor in the Bible, representing the means by which one accomplishes tasks and fulfills duties. In the historical context of Proverbs, work was not only necessary for survival but also a means of honoring God and contributing to the community. The refusal to work is thus seen as a rejection of these values. This phrase serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers that while desires are natural, they must be coupled with effort and diligence to bear fruit. The sluggard's plight is a call to embrace industriousness and responsibility, aligning one's actions with one's aspirations. Persons / Places / Events 1. The SluggardA recurring character in the Book of Proverbs, representing laziness and a lack of diligence. The sluggard is often depicted as someone who desires success or fulfillment but is unwilling to put in the necessary effort. 2. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often contrast the wise and the foolish, the diligent and the lazy. 3. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. In this agrarian society, hard work was essential for survival and prosperity. Teaching Points The Danger of LazinessLaziness is not just a character flaw; it can lead to one's downfall. The sluggard's refusal to work results in unmet desires and ultimately, destruction. The Value of DiligenceDiligence is a virtue that leads to fulfillment and success. The Bible consistently praises hard work and the rewards it brings. Spiritual Implications of WorkWork is not merely a physical necessity but a spiritual discipline. It reflects our obedience to God's design for humanity and our stewardship of His creation. Consequences of InactionInaction and procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The sluggard's cravings remain unsatisfied because he does not act. Aligning Desires with EffortOur desires should be matched by our willingness to work. True fulfillment comes when we align our efforts with our goals and God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the character of the sluggard in Proverbs 21:25 challenge our modern understanding of work and rest? 2. In what ways can we identify and overcome areas of laziness in our own lives, according to biblical principles? 3. How does the biblical view of work, as seen in Proverbs and other scriptures, influence our approach to our careers and daily tasks? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our desires are aligned with diligent effort and God's will? 5. How can we encourage others in our community to embrace the value of hard work and avoid the pitfalls of laziness? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 13:4This verse also contrasts the desires of the sluggard with the diligence of the righteous, emphasizing the importance of hard work to achieve one's desires. 2 Thessalonians 3:10Paul instructs the Thessalonians that if anyone is unwilling to work, they should not eat, reinforcing the biblical principle that work is necessary for provision. Genesis 3:19After the fall, God tells Adam that he will eat by the sweat of his brow, establishing work as a fundamental part of human life post-Eden. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Craving, Death, Desire, Hands, Hater, Killeth, Kills, Labor, Labour, Puts, Refuse, Refused, Slayeth, Slothful, SluggardDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 21:25 5156 hand Proverbs 21:25-26 5539 sluggard
6135 coveting, and sin
7150 righteous, the Library Definition of Actual Grace
1. GENERAL NOTION OF GRACE.--The best way to arrive at a correct definition of actual grace is by the synthetic method. We therefore begin with the general notion of grace. Like "nature,"(3) grace (gratia, {GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is a word of wide reach, used in a great variety of senses. Habert(4) enumerates no less than fourteen; which, however, may be reduced to four. a) Subjectively, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and HabitualEpistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, Ætherius, virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops .
To Syagrius, Ætherius, Virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops [65] . Gregory to Syagrius of Augustodunum (Autun), Etherius of Lugdunum (Lyons), Virgilius of Aretale (Arles), and Desiderius of Vienna (Vienne), bishops of Gaul. A paribus. Our Head, which is Christ, has to this end willed us to be His members, that through the bond of charity and faith He might make us one body in Himself. And to Him it befits us so to adhere in heart, that, since without Him we can be nothing, through Him we may …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy. Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 21:25 NIVProverbs 21:25 NLTProverbs 21:25 ESVProverbs 21:25 NASBProverbs 21:25 KJV
Proverbs 21:25 Commentaries
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