Scripture:
Proverbs 10:3-6 ESV
[3] The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. [4] A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. [5] He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. [6] Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Observation:
Solomon was a very wise man. He wanted to leave his wisdom behind for others to know and maybe save them from a lot of heartaches. I find verse 3 very comforting, to be honest. Solomon’s understanding of what it takes to fill your belly with good things comes from a desire to follow the LORD. He sees how doing what GOD asks is not taking away from life but adding to it. He also sees the other side, and the plans of the wicked will bring them to ruin. Verse 4, you might just think, is talking about money, and I’m sure in some aspects it is. However, I believe it’s also talking about spiritual wealth. Those who are diligent in seeking the LORD will obtain a wealth of wisdom that will lead to a desire to take care of and provide for those whom GOD has placed under their care. Solomon makes a clear statement in verse 5. Don’t be lazy he doesn’t say it in that manner, but he could have. He’s just a lot wiser than I am. So he says it less offensively. We finished out this section of scripture right back where we started. The LORD places HIS hand on those who do what HE asks. Those who don’t, well, they will have to lie, cheat, and steal to continue to provide.
Application:
I don’t want us to get confused here and think our righteousness depends on us. It honestly depends on our relationship with Jesus. Now, in saying that, I’m pretty convinced that we don’t just get to love like we want and get all the blessings of the LORD. I believe that we have to want to do right, and grace is there for when we miss the mark. No matter what, if our relationship with Jesus is our priority, then when the LORD looks at us, we are seen as righteous because what HE looks at is our lives covered by the blood of HIS SON. I’m by no means excusing away sin. What I am saying is that GOD has made a way, and when we chase after HIM, HE will make sure we are taken care of. I believe that’s what this scripture is pointing to. HE wants us to seek HIM diligently, and when we do all the things we need, we will be there when we need them. Å´ can see this in Matthew, chapter 6:33, seeking first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. I believe with all my heart that GOD will provide for those who truly love HIM. That’s not to say that every once in a while, worry doesn’t try to sneak in and distract me from the truth. However, in this war, the first piece of armor is a bullet that is labeled truth. This tells me that the truth is what holds us together when we can’t see the blessings that are coming. The Bible tells us that GOD will supply all our needs according to HIS riches and glory. Again, this tells me it’s not about me it’s all about HIM it’s all HIS, and HE will provide if I do my part by seeking HIM, with all my heart.
Prayer:
Father, we want you. We never want to think we have this under control. You are the one in control. The way we see things is through a foggy window. You see it with perfect clarity. We only see what is right in front of us. Let us know that you have us, and you will not let us go without. All we have to do is seek you, and you will make sure our needs are met. This life is not about our glory. In fact, it has absolutely nothing to do with us. it’s all about you. We have been bought with a price. Let us honor that decision you made to send your son to pay our debt by showing you that you are what matters to us. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen