“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.” (Proverbs 6:10-11)
This scripture is given in the context of laziness. One of the manifestations of laziness in a person is that, they love to slumber and/or sleep.
Consequently, this verse advises us against falling victim to the enticing nature of sleep. You will agree with me that, at times, sleep can be so sweet that it prevents us from getting out of bed on time to attend to our daily chores.
We can also relate this behavior to school-going children, who always require an external push in order to get out of bed every other morning and prepare for school.
Employed individuals may at times fall victim to the enticing nature of slumber and/or sleep, which may lead to frequent cases of lateness or underperformance at the workplace.
This scripture is thus used to exhort individuals who are lazy to work hard in life in order to meet their obligations and also escape poverty.
There are several other scriptures that teach against laziness and the love of sleep, including the following:
Proverbs 24:33–34 says:
“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.”
Here, the word ‘rest’ is included in the scripture to signify a state of inactivity. Resting is only okay after you have accomplished the expected tasks. That is why even God rested on the seventh day after He had completed the process of creation.
Proverbs 26:14 says
“As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed.”
This verse is mostly used to teach school-going pupils and students against being lazy. It is equally applicable for workers to desist from laziness.
Proverbs 6:9 says
“How long will you slumber, o sluggard? When will you rise up from your sleep?”
Here, the scripture is taunting the lazy person to get out of bed and engage in some productive activity.
Proverbs 12:24 says
“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.”
Proverbs 12:27 says
“The lazy man does not roast what he takes in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.”
This scripture teaches that those who are lazy only feed on the sweat of others. Given the inability of a lazy person to work, they become dependents, only waiting for someone else to work and bring them food.
Proverbs 13:4 says
“The soul of a lazy man desires and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”
This scripture teaches that all a lazy person can achieve is desire. However, such desires never materialized because of his refusal to work.
Proverbs 19:15 says
“Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.”
Proverbs 21:25–26 says
“The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare.”
I hope the information was helpful. Thank you.
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Prayer to become a born-again Christian
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and hereby ask for your forgiveness;
I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are the only begotten Son of the living God.
I believe that you were sent by your Father to the earth to save sinners like me.
I now accept you as my personal Lord and Savior.
Come into my heart and baptize me with The Holy Spirit.
Thank you for saving me.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen!”
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Benediction
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
(Numbers 6:24-26)
Shalom.
Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/
My name is Nicodemus. I'm a Kenyan by birth. I got saved over 30 years ago while in high school.
I love studying scriptures in order to enhance my comprehension of God and His plan for mankind.
I have an MBA degree in strategic management and a BSc degree in botany and zoology.
I’m married to a loving lady called Leah. God has gifted us three sons: Wayne, Salem, and Michael.
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