Thought for the Day

Verse 13 - This verse demonstrates another characteristic of the slothful; they convince themselves to avoid responsibility with any kind of excuse. The slightest inconvenience or difficulty will keep a sluggard from going outside to get to work, just as the imagined fears of the idle person will also do. Solomon lived in a country where lions lived, but it was as unlikely then as now that a lion would have gotten within the gates of Jerusalem. Wild animals avoid large cities. Idle people easily become prey to wild imaginations and fears as well as physical disorders. A slothful man will use excuses to keep from doing his duty or going to work, just as this man used the excuse that he was afraid of a lion killing him.

Whatever goals or call of God that we may have, there will always be obstacles to overcome in order to fulfill them. As Christians, we can rely on God's grace and strength to help us in all things and to develop an overcoming spirit. One cannot escape from a lazy mindset without the desire to change. When a person repents of slothfulness and cries out to God for help to overcome it, God begins to deliver him from his old nature and enables him to find satisfaction in working. "He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

Verse 14 - The Bible warns people to avoid speaking with loose and immoral women who may trap and seduce them with flattery and convincing words. An adulteress' tempting words are like flimsy branches and leaves, covering a deep pit that is dug to trap a wild beast. The unsuspecting animal walks right over it and falls in. Of course, the reverse is true also, as lustful men can lure unsuspecting females too, but since King Solomon wrote these Proverbs, he addresses this from a male standpoint. Ultimately, the men who become ensnared by loose women are those who ignore God's Word. They are full of pride and think they can escape the consequences of resisting God's principles and ignoring His advice. They allow their lust and pride to rule them. Scripture states that God resists the proud. "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6). God cannot help people who consistently refuse His ways.