Vernetta L.
Payton BIBL 105
Short Essay 3
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get
understanding” (Pr. 4:7 KJV). As we go about the day to day routine of life, we should, with all
of our might seek to acquire wisdom. It is of the utmost importance, and in my opinion key to
living a successful and fulfilled life in this earth. We must take what we’ve learned and
practically apply it to our lives, before we can claim wisdom. Now, let’s attempt to explore
examples of the teachings of Hebrew wisdom on diligence and laziness and how this corresponds
with the contrast between wisdom and folly.
Solomon, Israel’s third king and the primary author of the book of Proverbs was the first
recorded in scripture that had the opportunity to ask God for anything he desired, and instead of
asking for riches, fame and wealth, etc. he simply asked for wisdom to lead God’s people. God
granted his request and there are many instances in scripture that support this fact. His writings
in Proverbs for instance, teach us the many advantages of the diligent in contrast to that of the
lazy - “The soul of the lazy man desires and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be
made rich” (Pr. 13:4 NKJV). This lets us know that in most instances, the choices that we make
often determine our future both naturally and spiritually. If we work hard, showing care and
conscientiousness in our work duties and/or work ethics, then we will be rewarded, but if we
make light of the tasks we undertake and are lazy, although we desire, we will most likely
experience lack. And in area of spiritual things, the sluggard tends to desire the gifts of the
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righteous, but is often not willing to make the necessary sacrifices it would take to flow
effectively in those gifts.
“The book of Proverbs consistently presents the sluggard as a fool and the diligent person
as wise” (P. 268). And this same observation can be examined in today’s society, as we are a
people who would greatly benefit from the principles taught in its passages. If we would take the
time to read, meditate over, and apply the knowledge gained not only from the book of Proverbs,
but God’s word in its entirety, we will undoubtedly obtain the necessary wisdom needed to live
abundantly in this life.
Another of my favorite proverbial verses that contrast the diligent and lazy is (6:6-8) –
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer,
or ruler, provided her meat in the summer and gathereth her food in the harvest.” These verses
always leave me awestruck, how the writer uses them to encourage the lazy to learn diligence
from studying the ant. One of the smallest creatures on earth busies itself by storing in the
summer that which is necessary for survival throughout the winter season. The lazy man on the
other hand is only concerned about his sleep and has little or no interest in obtaining work of any
sort. He lives a life of folly or foolishness and therefore lacks wisdom.
The Hebrew word for wisdom is (chokmah). This word is a derivative of chakam, used 312
times in the Hebrew Bible, most frequently in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. It describes
prudence in practical matters, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and spiritual insight. God,
who is holy and wise, expects us to exhibit His character in our lives as well. In addition
chakam, “wise,” refers to those who are skillful in exercising good judgment in managing
personal relationships (Pr. 20:26). In Proverbs chakam carries both intellectual and moral
connotations and describes the skill of right living (16:21), with a focus on ethical and spiritual
conduct. (Hinson and Yates 2012:266).
The Bible teaches us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the
knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Pr. 9:10). But in contrast, it also states that “The
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fool has said in his heart there is no God” (Ps. 14:1). Another key passage states “The fear of
the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Pr. 1:7). It
is quite clear that those who are foolish and/or lazy have quite a bit in common. There is a sense
of rebellion and/or pride that would keep them from acknowledging God as Lord and creator,
thus leaving them opened to making unwise choices because of their inability to pursue His
infinite wisdom. This path is a sure recipe for failure, poverty, and ultimately destruction.
In closing, we clearly see how “The book of Proverbs consistently presents the sluggard
as a fool and the diligent person as wise” (Pg. 268). And it should be our aim to avoid the pitfalls
of folly and/or laziness, and wholeheartedly pursue the principles of diligence and wisdom as
stated in this book, so that we are assured, within all reason, a life full of peace, happiness and
abundance.
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