Proverbs 24:30-34 – The inevitable consequence of laziness

Simply defined, the word slothfulness means laziness. More than most verses in the Bible, Proverbs 24:30-34 provide us with the clearest description of the consequence of a lazy person. The author describes the deplorable result of laziness by way of a parable. If we can give it a title to these verses, it should be this: “The terrible consequence of a lazy bum.”  This composition is the result of the author’s observation of what happens to a person who chose laziness over diligence. He did not make it clear whether this is a fictional or an actual account of a person who refuses to work. But be it a fictional or an actual account, the result, without a doubt, will play itself out in real life experience.

The deplorable condition of the field and the vineyard described here were unkempt. It was not illogical for the author to conclude that they belonged to people who were lazy, as well as lacking sense. The field and vineyard were so appalling. They were overrun by thick weeds and thistles. Stones were strewn all over the surface of the ground and even the wall had broken down. So totally unkempt were they that what the author saw was truly an annoying sight. The sluggard here did not have the good sense to perceive that he needed to be diligent and hard-working, so that the land might flourish and be profitable to him.  

As the author reflected and considered what he saw, he came to the conclusion concerning the patterns of a lazy bum.  He had adopted a lifestyle of idleness. He would rather fold his arms and waste his time by doing nothing, rather than engaging in needful works. He places sleep at the top of his priority even though he knows that his time ought to be put to better use. While he engages in idleness, his wealth was stolen blind from him. He didn’t even realize that he had lost all his estate, not because he was robbed, but because of his laziness.

The crux of the message is this: poverty and scarcities will be the inevitable consequence of one who is lazy. In other words, if we will not seize our time or opportunity to do what is needful, this will be the expected end. That’s why we must redeem the opportunity and make the most of our time. We must seize the day and redeem the time!