How Do You Know If You’re Lazy? (Proverbs 6)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

What’s the difference between having sustainable rhythms and being lazy?

Ask this question to individuals of different generations or ethnic backgrounds, and you’ll receive different answers. David A. Hubbard writes, “Laziness is a breach of love. It refuses to carry its own weight let alone help with the loads of the rest of us who plod along supporting our young, our aged, our infirm. We have no surplus energy to carry those who can walk and will not.”^[1]

Proverbs 6 helps us understand the DNA of a lazy person. In Proverbs 6:6-11, the author says:

⁶ Go to the ant, you slacker!
Observe its ways and become wise.
⁷ Without leader, administrator, or ruler,
⁸ it prepares its provisions in summer;
it gathers its food during harvest.
⁹ How long will you stay in bed, you slacker?
When will you get up from your sleep?
¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the arms to rest,
¹¹ and your poverty will come like a robber,
your need, like a bandit.

This ant is likely the harvester ant, common in Palestine.^[2] It’s an interesting comparison because we see chaos when we first look at an ant colony. Only through careful observation do we see the structure. The ants aren’t just busy; they are strategic. Sid S. Buzzell notes, “The virtue of wisdom is not in being busy but in having a proper view of forthcoming needs that motivate one to action (cf. 10:5). Those who act only when commanded do not possess wisdom.”^[3]

The greatest problem with lazy people is they live unstructured lives. They get up when they want, meet the minimal requirements of their jobs, and are a burden to others.

But wise people with sustainable rhythms work hard and know when to stop. Through trial and error, they recognize their bodily and relational limitations. They prioritize spending time with God first thing in the morning and know how to set work aside at the end of the day and be present with their families.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | I praise you for creating a world with rhythms and rest.

Release | I release the desire to hold my time in my control. Help me to spend my days in a way that honors and glorifies you.

Ask | Show me what the most important work is for me today. Help me to do the part you have for me, and know when I’ve down enough, and it’s time to rest.

Yield | I commit my days to you. Show me areas of laziness in my life, and where needed, change how I spend my time.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ  

Unfortunately, many Christians have adopted a “let go and let God” approach to their lives to dissolve themselves of any responsibility. But when we go back to the story of Moses and the Exodus, we’re reminded that God expects us to act. He does the saving, but he wants us to be willing to raise our staff.

When we look at the life of Christ, we see someone who worked hard but also took time to guard his soul and be present with others. Ray Ortlund writes, “Jesus worked hard (John 9:4), his grace makes us hard workers (1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 4:28), and our labors in him will matter forever (1 Cor. 15:58).”^[4]

The real issue of laziness isn’t effort. It’s motivation. When you understand who you are in Christ and why you were placed on this earth, you’ll find laziness and workaholism untenable. Instead, you’ll be diligent each day, not working for but working from the favor of God.

^[1] David A. Hubbard and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Proverbs, vol. 15, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1989), 101.

^[2]Derek Kidner, Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 17 of Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. IVP/Accordance electronic ed. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1964), 69.

^[3]Sid S. Buzzell, Proverbs (The Bible Knowledge Commentary; ed. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck; Accordance electronic ed. 2 vols.; Wheaton: Victor Books, 1985), 1:916.

^[4]Bryan Chapell, eds. Gospel Transformation Study Bible Notes. Accordance electronic ed. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), paragraph 2657.