Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. ~Proverbs 10:4
He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. ~Proverbs 12:11
The lazy person does not cook his food, but the diligent prizes possessions. In the way of righteousness is life; along that path is immortality. ~Proverbs 12:27-28
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. ~Proverbs 12:24
The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. ~Proverbs 13:4
The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. ~Proverbs 15:19.
Laziness puts on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry. ~Proverbs 19:15
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. ~Ephesians 4:28
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, Just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. ~1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
“If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” ~2 Thessalonians 3:10
Some people think that these Proverbs and verses indicate that it is wrong to help the poor by giving away free food. They would be opposed to our food pantry ministry, thinking that we should just preach the gospel, so they get saved and get to work. There are those who believe that giving away food interferes with God’s justice and discipline when we help the homeless and the hungry. The thought is, “if they would just work, they wouldn’t need our help! So, if we do help them, we’re undermining God’s just punishment.”
Well, there is just too much scripture, more than we can fit in one devotional, that tells us to care for the poor! That is what counters the kind of thinking laid out in the previous paragraph. If you want a longer list, I’d be happy to supply, but for starters, one need only read the book of James. It’s only five chapters and may take about 20 minutes in all.
So, then what is the point of all this negativity about lazy people? It all comes down to motive and opportunity. The Proverbs are describing a person who could help him or herself but doesn’t want to bother. On the other hand, there are plenty of people who are more than willing to work, but do not have opportunity. Sometimes, it’s hard to discern which is which, therefore, it’s always better to err on the side of grace.
When we first began talking to the representative of Feeding America about how their program works, she explained that we should be willing to give to all. It’s not our job to judge who is in need and who is not. Suppose someone coming to pick up food is driving a Mercedes. Can we draw any conclusions just from that fact? For all we know, they may have just lost their job, or inherited the car from, who knows where. We are to give to those in need, unless we are cautioned in our Spirits, by God, otherwise. Many a time, when I have had opportunity to check the back story of people who come for help, I have been able to find out that they are indeed “working the system” rather than working. But these folks usually want money, not food.
Both Solomon and Paul are addressing motives and encouraging the needy to be willing to examine how they arrived at this place. Solomon warns that if they are where they are through sloth and laziness, it won’t be well for them in the end. Paul is urging those, who are able to work, to stop being lazy and contribute as the opportunity allows. Neither Solomon nor Paul are saying to the truly needy, “don’t ask.”
There are food distribution issues that make it hard form some to have enough. There is an unemployment rate and I’ve never heard it hit zero. I had one person say very perceptively that in the wintertime, the poor need to decide whether to pay for food or heat. There really are haves and have nots, even in America. Our job is not to judge, but be ministers of grace, and it is the receivers’ job to discern need and restraint if necessary. That is why our ministry invites people to take what they need, rather than doling out a predetermined ration. We trust our new friends to be responsible and considerate of those coming after them. We can’t out give God. We need to do what we are called to do and let our heavenly Father deal with hearts, both ours and theirs.
Prayer: Father God, thank you that when I work hard for You, You bless abundantly, so that I can also share. Help me to remember the dignity of those with whom I share. May I appreciate the gifts they bring to the relationship, and never look down on them, but give thanks for them as new friends. May we grow together in fellowship with You Lord, in Jesus' name, amen.
Song: Make Me a Servant
He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. ~Proverbs 12:11
The lazy person does not cook his food, but the diligent prizes possessions. In the way of righteousness is life; along that path is immortality. ~Proverbs 12:27-28
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. ~Proverbs 12:24
The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. ~Proverbs 13:4
The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. ~Proverbs 15:19.
Laziness puts on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry. ~Proverbs 19:15
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. ~Ephesians 4:28
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, Just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. ~1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
“If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” ~2 Thessalonians 3:10
Some people think that these Proverbs and verses indicate that it is wrong to help the poor by giving away free food. They would be opposed to our food pantry ministry, thinking that we should just preach the gospel, so they get saved and get to work. There are those who believe that giving away food interferes with God’s justice and discipline when we help the homeless and the hungry. The thought is, “if they would just work, they wouldn’t need our help! So, if we do help them, we’re undermining God’s just punishment.”
Well, there is just too much scripture, more than we can fit in one devotional, that tells us to care for the poor! That is what counters the kind of thinking laid out in the previous paragraph. If you want a longer list, I’d be happy to supply, but for starters, one need only read the book of James. It’s only five chapters and may take about 20 minutes in all.
So, then what is the point of all this negativity about lazy people? It all comes down to motive and opportunity. The Proverbs are describing a person who could help him or herself but doesn’t want to bother. On the other hand, there are plenty of people who are more than willing to work, but do not have opportunity. Sometimes, it’s hard to discern which is which, therefore, it’s always better to err on the side of grace.
When we first began talking to the representative of Feeding America about how their program works, she explained that we should be willing to give to all. It’s not our job to judge who is in need and who is not. Suppose someone coming to pick up food is driving a Mercedes. Can we draw any conclusions just from that fact? For all we know, they may have just lost their job, or inherited the car from, who knows where. We are to give to those in need, unless we are cautioned in our Spirits, by God, otherwise. Many a time, when I have had opportunity to check the back story of people who come for help, I have been able to find out that they are indeed “working the system” rather than working. But these folks usually want money, not food.
Both Solomon and Paul are addressing motives and encouraging the needy to be willing to examine how they arrived at this place. Solomon warns that if they are where they are through sloth and laziness, it won’t be well for them in the end. Paul is urging those, who are able to work, to stop being lazy and contribute as the opportunity allows. Neither Solomon nor Paul are saying to the truly needy, “don’t ask.”
There are food distribution issues that make it hard form some to have enough. There is an unemployment rate and I’ve never heard it hit zero. I had one person say very perceptively that in the wintertime, the poor need to decide whether to pay for food or heat. There really are haves and have nots, even in America. Our job is not to judge, but be ministers of grace, and it is the receivers’ job to discern need and restraint if necessary. That is why our ministry invites people to take what they need, rather than doling out a predetermined ration. We trust our new friends to be responsible and considerate of those coming after them. We can’t out give God. We need to do what we are called to do and let our heavenly Father deal with hearts, both ours and theirs.
Prayer: Father God, thank you that when I work hard for You, You bless abundantly, so that I can also share. Help me to remember the dignity of those with whom I share. May I appreciate the gifts they bring to the relationship, and never look down on them, but give thanks for them as new friends. May we grow together in fellowship with You Lord, in Jesus' name, amen.
Song: Make Me a Servant
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