May 30
One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. (18: 9)
SLOTH DESTROYS.
Laziness destroys. As we have seen, laziness hurts you, but it also ruins the good of those around you. How? One obvious way the lazy do that is by not “pulling their weight” in the family or society and thereby increasing the burden on others. But also, the slothful think of themselves first, even in the work they choose to do. They select work for their own comfort or benefit rather than for how it helps others, the community, and society.
Dorothy Sayers observed that during World War II many people in the military found themselves doing work that was vastly more satisfying than their ordinary careers. Why? “For the first time in their lives, they found themselves doing something not for the pay”— army pay was miserable—“ and not for the status”— everyone was just thrown in together—“ but for the sake of getting something done for us all.” 125 The social fabric strengthened and psychological health improved. This is wisdom— working for others rather than for one’s own advancement. So both laziness and work chosen just for one’s own selfish benefit destroy community.
Q. Be blunt with yourself— are you “slack in your work”?
Prayer:
Lord, the whole book of Proverbs works against my individualist spirit. I don’t like to think that people around me have any claim on my money, my time, and even the selection of my career. Give me the mind of Christ (Philippians 2: 3– 5). Impart it to me with your Word and Spirit. Amen.
Keller, Timothy; Keller, Kathy. God's Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs (Kindle Locations 2806-2820). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.