The soul of the diligent is richly supplied. – Proverbs 13:4

You would have thought that being in the Garden of Eden – Paradise – that if there was any job to do at all, it would be a “cushy” one, right? No, not really. God created Adam and immediately told him that he would have dominion over all the earth and its inhabitants. This was no small thing. He was to care for all living creatures, as well as the plants and trees from which he was to get his food.

The writer of today’s passage from Proverbs indicates that humans should not be lazy. He contrasts the industrious man and the sluggard with righteousness and wickedness. The lazy crave what the workers have – and want it without exerting any effort. In fact, this constant desiring, yet getting nothing, can be more wearisome than actually doing the work… which can lead to sinful actions; they will seek the reward of the diligent without the toil. On the other hand, the industrious, who are hardworking, faithful in their work, will be richly supplied. Their attitude will be to seek what is good, speak truth, and live in obedience to the Lord.

In Proverbs 6:6-8, the slothful are encouraged to learn from one of God’s smallest creatures, the seemingly insignificant ant. Observing the individual effort it puts forth might spur someone into activity, and it is worth imitating. Ants do not put off for tomorrow what they can do today! Shifting from the ant to the Savior… God’s desire to save humanity from sin motivated Jesus to stick with and stay true to the mission He was sent to accomplish (Romans 8:32).

Work hard. Pray for those who work diligently on your behalf in Congress. Then give thanks for the Lord’s many provisions to you and to this nation.