DILIGENT & LAZY (1)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Proverbs makes it clear that diligence - being willing to work hard and do one's best at any job given to him or her - is a vital part of wise living. We work hard not to become rich, famous, or admired (although those may by by-products), but to serve God with our very best during our lives.

1. The diligent: "Become rich"

a) The lazy

i) Are soon poor (Proverbs 10:4)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 10:4

i) ⁴ He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. (Proverbs 10:4 NKJV)

2. The diligent: "Gather crops early"

a) The lazy

i) Sleep during harvest (Proverbs 10:5)

ii) Are an annoyance (Proverbs 10:26)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 10:5; 10:26

i)  ⁵ He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. (Proverbs 10:5 NKJV)

ii) ²⁶ As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him. (Proverbs 10:26 NKJV)

3. The diligent: "Have abundant food"

a) The lazy

i) Follow frivolity (Proverbs 12:11)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 12:11

i) ¹¹ He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. (Proverbs 12:11 NKJV)

4. The diligent: "Hard work returns rewards"

a) The lazy

i) None (Proverbs 12:14)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 12:14

i) ¹⁴ A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him. (Proverbs 12;14 NKJV)

5. The diligent: "Will rule"

a) The lazy

i) Will be forced to work (Proverbs 12:24)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 12:24

i) ²⁴ The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor. (Proverbs 12:24 NKJV)

6. The diligent: "Prize their possessions"

a) The lazy

i) Waste good resources (Proverbs 12:27)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 12:27

i) ²⁷ The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. (Proverbs 12:27 NKJV)

The End ...