Don’t Be a Slacker • Pro.13:14; 14:23; 20:4; 24:30-34; 26:13-14; 28:19; 6:1-8; 10:5; 14:4; 21:20; 24:27; 11:24-25; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27 • March 30
Introduction: This lesson uses many verses covering many ways a diligent, hard-working person will bless their family. A slacker is discouraged and encouraged to be disciplined, wise, and actively employed. Helpful comparisons are given that should help to motivate all of us.
1. Don’t Be a Slacker … Work Diligently. 13:14; 14:23; 20:4; 24:30-34; 26:13-14; 28:19
A wise man probably had to work to get the wisdom he has attained. Of course, God’s Word gives us wisdom. Someone who talks all the time probably just blows with the wind. I saw a church sign that said, “A Wise Man Does Not Blow His Knows.” A farmer or farm worker knows he must plow and cultivate if there is to be a time of harvesting. Thinking correct thoughts, while not actually working, will produce nothing. Everyone knows you must plant if you are going to reap. Of course, you can plow and plant incorrectly, but most farm people I know talk with one another enough to share wise thoughts. But there isn’t any substitute for work. The text compares a slacker to a door hinge: As the door turns on its hinge, so does a slacker turn on his bed and fantasizes about a lion in the street. That sounds like a lazy person to me. This person does not have any purpose and is certainly not wise. The Lord wants us to be motivated by His discipline, His Word and a willingness to work.
2. Don’t Be a Slacker … Work Smartly. 6:1-8; 10:5; 14:4; 21:20; 24:27
The text advises us about co-signing or becoming the one guaranteeing a loan. I have done that for relatives and really was pleased when it was over. The ant is given as an excellent example of how we should plan and work together. Some people need financial help because they fail to work, and the Word refutes that kind of an attitude. Our text also suggests a sensible schedule to get work in the house and work in the field accomplished. Animals require some daily attention and work, but they can provide the farmer much strength for work in the field while plowing and harvesting. Work can result in nice homes and many pleasures.
3. Don’t Be a Slacker Work … and Give Generously. 11:24-25; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27
Do you know many giving people say their enjoyment comes from the blessing they receive by helping others. Yesterday I heard the “Shoeman” speak of the blessings he receives as he sees people give older shoes so they can provide for shoeless people and also drill wells for water. He loves to see the rejoicing from the supply of water coming to people who never had clean local water. We are so blessed we certainly can be used to help others and encourage them, like the title says, “Don’t Be a Slacker.” Amen? Amen! (For a more detailed outline, go to: www.preachhim.org/SundaySchoolIndex.html.)
Exercise Financial Responsibility • Pro.16:16; 21:1-2: 23:4-5; 28:20; 30:7-9; 13:11; 15:27; 20:17; 21:6; 22:16; 28:6-8,24;3:9-10; 11:28; 16:8 • April 06
Introduction: People I know who have exercised financial responsibility are satisfied people and have joy in their immediate family. It is nice to be around them.
1. xercise Financial Responsibility … Keep a Perspective on Finances. 6:16; 21:1-2: 23:4-5; 28:20; 30:7-9
Gaining wisdom will serve a person longer than gaining gold. Doing what is good in God’s sight will help a person enjoy a good night’s sleep more than getting gold and thinking we might give some as a means of sacrifice to the church program, etc. Faithful men are blessed with God’s pleasures. When one looks for and takes wealth almost any way he can get it, he will not receive the blessings only God can give. A man with several million dollars told me it is never enough. Somebody has always got more, and trying to run with rich men gets rather vain and useless. In one old story, two men were talking about their wealth. One asked him how much more the other wanted. “Just a little more,” he replied.
2. xercise Financial Responsibility … Provide for Others Through Integrity. 3:11; 15:27; 20:17; 21:6; 22:16; 28:6-8,24
When people discipline themselves and work to build their resources of wealth, the Lord will help it to multiply. Dishonest gain does not receive a blessing from the Lord. All of us need to refrain from seeking to encourage someone by offering a bribe, and we should also refrain from receiving one. Don’t make wealth by telling lies or oppressing the poor. The Bible says that when a person makes gaining wealth their ultimate goal, it will vanish. People who are poor can show an example of integrity for many of us – especially for those who seek wealth by any means. If we have an opportunity to charge interest, it should never be excessive because that is not right and does not follow the principles of Scripture. Can you imagine a child stealing from his or her parents? It happens, but that child needs to be corrected quickly and sternly.
3. xercise Financial Responsibility … Practice Good Stewardship. :9-10.
My mom taught me about stewardship all of her life. When I got my first pay check, she asked if I wanted 100 percent of my pay without God’s blessing or 90 percent with His blessing. It was a simple decision for me. Did you ever hear about the man who had been a faithful steward and then his business burned down? Someone said to him, “Well you have lost everything. Don’t you wish you had all you gave to the church?” He said, “No because that’s all I’ve really saved. All the good memories of what that money accomplished will last me forever.” Does your church have tithing testimonies? Some of the best examples I ever heard came from those satisfied people who practiced, as the Lord told them, to Exercise Financial Responsibility. Amen? Amen! (For a more detailed outline, go to: www.preachhim.org/SundaySchoolIndex.html.)