Daily Nugget:
The writing style showing the results of good versus unacceptable behavior and decisions continues through Proverbs 13. As in the previous Proverbs, one can see the blessings of godly wisdom in contrast to the consequences of ungodly thinking and behavior.
One temptation discussed in previous Proverbs and this chapter is the attraction and control wealth has on people (Proverbs 13:4, 7-9, 11, 18, 22). Throughout this chapter, much wisdom is found about the priority, desire for, and possession of wealth.
As most have discovered to be true in this life, we see that the lazy (“sluggard”) will have nothing. They may have an occasional shiny bauble, but their slothfulness will limit them from succeeding and prospering.
“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” Proverbs 13:4
“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” Proverbs 13:18
The desire of many to have everything given to them will waste their potential and hurt them and those they expect to pay for their lives of leisure. God’s plan is for all to work to achieve possessions and self-respect. Work brings prosperity, fulfillment, and self-worth. Those living off handouts will never experience those feelings of pride and accomplishment that working gives.
Read “Work Is God’s Way!”
Although work is good and offers many rewards, some hard workers have their priorities wrong. They may have amassed great wealth, but that is all they have. Their bank account may bulge, but they are impoverished by a lack of character and usefulness to society. All they have is money, but their integrity is bankrupt.
Those with a drive to get and hoard often have traded the joy and usefulness they could have for things that will not fulfill them in this life and certainly cannot be taken to the next. To “get” what they have may cost them what is more important, such as family, respect, relationships, and a walk with the Lord.
With all people have earned and collected, many still have no joy, as something important is missing in their lives. Working is essential, but those we can be a blessing to and a Saviour to obey are far more important than the temporary trinkets this world can offer.
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. 8 The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.” Proverbs 13:7-8.
Today, society is trying to change how God designed man to be. God works, and He expects us to as well. He will bless your work, but He will not bless one’s laziness.
Today’s Thought:
“The only place where success comes before work is in a dictionary.” — Sassoon
Words to Understand:
Rebuke: correct; criticize
Scorner: one who has or shows great displeasure
Sluggard: a lazy person, slothful
Today’s Reading:
Proverbs 13
1 A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
2 ¶ A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
3 ¶ He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4 ¶ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
5 ¶ A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
6 ¶ Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7 ¶ There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
8 ¶ The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9 ¶ The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10 ¶ Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11 ¶ Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12 ¶ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13 ¶ Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
14 ¶ The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
15 ¶ Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
16 ¶ Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
17 ¶ A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
18 ¶ Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19 ¶ The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 ¶ He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21 ¶ Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
22 ¶ A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
23 ¶ Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
24 ¶ He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25 ¶ The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
