Proverbs 21:5-9 – Patient, Godly Work
Verse 5 – The diligent is usually contrasted with the lazy, here with the hasty. The patient, persevering man carries on in spite of all difficulties; content to increase what he has by steps; never giving in to discouragement. The hasty person may be diligent, but he doesn’t think, he acts on impulse, and so he makes a mess of things. This is true in the Christian life as well, patient persevering is important, not quick jumps forward without thinking that result in great falls.
Verses 6-7 – Fortunes may be made by lies, but it is worthless in the end. The evil deeds of the wicked destroy them, but they have only themselves to blame. They choose to have nothing to do with God, to lay up treasures on this earth, and nothing they do is of eternal value.
Verse 8 – We are born sinners. No one has to teach a small child to lie, or have a temper tantrum, or fight, or disobey. We are sinners, that is our nature. But man, by grace, can be made alive in Christ, can become new creatures who desire to love and obey God. The old habits and ways still must be fought and overcome, but the heart seeks after God.
Verse 9 – How sad to see the kind of home described in these verses, where the wife, instead of being a help to her husband, makes him miserable. How many bring this bitter trouble upon themselves! They do not seek their husband or wife from the Lord, and marry based on their own selfish desires. We need to commit to God in our marriages, putting him first and our husbands and wives second. And we need to pray for Godly spouses for our children.
Questions
- What is the danger of being hasty?
- How are we born?
- How should we treat our husbands or wives?
Prayer Points
- Pray for Godly spouses for our covenant children.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.