It is no wonder that some people never rise above their problems. They will not wholeheartedly follow God’s plan for success. They will not even take the time to learn how to make the first step.
Proverbs 6:9 says: “How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?” (NKJV). In other words, when will we open our eyes, focus on God’s Word, and allow it to take root and govern our lives for success?
Verses 10 and 11 say: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man” (NKJV).
Notice the results of slothfulness from Moffatt’s translation of verse 11: “Yes, and poverty will pounce on you; want will overpower you.” The slothful person has no power to resist poverty.
The person who is habitually lazy and averse to exertion concerning the things of God will never be able to experience a successful relationship with Him, nor the fullness of God’s provision. If effort is not made to take care of everyday practical matters of life, this person will not develop in spiritual areas either.
The inner qualities of the diligent person are expressed in wise business practices, financial responsibility, and devotion to his work. The diligent person is dependable and will put in an honest day’s work for his employer.
The slothful person, on the other hand, has little regard for the things he possesses. His house is a mess. His car is littered and dirty. He does not take the responsibility for adequately maintaining the things that he has. He looks for ways to do as little as possible.
Proverbs 12:27 in The Amplified Bible refers to this type of person this way: “The slothful man does not catch his game or roast it once he kills it, but the diligent man gets precious possessions.”
God continues to increase the person who will consider the things he receives from the Lord as precious.
We know a man who received a sizable inheritance. He lived grand for about a year, but he made no provision or plans for the future. Suddenly, he came to the tragic realization that his money supply was almost depleted and he had little to show for what he had spent. He had not looked to the ant, considered her ways, and become wise (see Proverbs 6:6-8).
When we allow God’s Word to govern our lives, He will teach us how to increase. But we must be sensitive to Him if we want to obtain and follow His wisdom.
This is an extremely important spiritual truth. We will continue to increase in the areas of our lives in which we are actively applying God’s Word. We must let the Word establish new goals for us that will enhance our ability to live an overcoming life—a life that is pleasing to God.
We can develop a desire to become motivated by the Word of God. Cultivate that desire. Let it begin to take root in our hearts. We have the ability to become planners because we have God’s ability in us.
We must let the determination of the Holy Spirit make us a success at everything we put our hands to. When we become established in the Word of God, He will continually draw us into a place of deeper commitment in order to bring increase into our lives.
