Laziness Leaves You Unsatisfied
Tuesday - October 13th
Scripture to Read Today: Proverbs 13:1-25
A sluggard's appetite is
never filled, but the
desires of the diligent
are fully satisfied.
Proverbs 13:4
The Apostrophe Protection Society, founded by retired journalist John Richards in 2001, was brought to a full stop in 2019. Richards (then aged 96) accepted that "the ignorance and laziness present in modern times have won!" The society felt that journalists, writers, and English grammar experts had lost the apostrophe's proper use. They fought for nearly two decades to see a greater emphasis on the proper working understanding of punctuation among editors and grammar teachers. Beyond its founder, others in the society also emphasized that general laziness among experts and casual English users undermined the society's mission.
Laziness is a big problem. Businesses or organizations that want to have a high impact due to efficiency and effectiveness know laziness is a real threat. The Book of Proverbs says a lot about the sluggard or the lazy person. As we continue reading the chapter of Proverbs that coincides with the day of the month, we see one of those references to laziness in Proverbs chapter 13 today. "A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." (Proverbs 13:4)
Lazy people may have hopes, dreams, desires, and even plans. But, their lack of drive and dedication holds them back from seeing those things fulfilled. They may want something and want it very badly, but they may never achieve it unless something changes and they are willing to work hard for it. So, the sluggard or lazy person has an appetite, but that appetite remains unfulfilled. Laziness robs many from experiencing a full and satisfying life.
Proverbs 13:4 contrasts the sluggard with the diligent. While the sluggard remains unsatisfied, those who are diligent have their desires fulfilled. Diligent people may even have the same desires as lazy people. The difference is their willingness to roll up their sleeves and work hard, spend the time required, and invest their energy in doing what needs to be done. Lazy people sit back, wait, observe others, and squander the abilities and resources they have to complete what needs to be done.
Diligent people will be fully satisfied they did the hard work, they took the time, they invested what God had given them to invest.
How about you? Do you have desires and dreams you want to be fulfilled, but are unwilling to do what it takes to see them achieved. Has God called you to something, but you have been reluctant to roll up your sleeves to do what He has called you to do? You will remain unfulfilled until you become diligent with the challenge God has placed ahead of you. But, if you apply yourself, you will be fully satisfied!
Laziness short-circuits the blessing God wants us to experience. Diligence gives us access to His blessings.