The Sluggard's Desire and the Diligent Soul's Fullness

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.—Proverbs 13:4

This proverb speaks with equal force to temporal and spiritual conditions. The slothful man pursues an impossible contradiction: he craves wealth without labour, knowledge without study, and respect without merit. His hands refuse to work, yet his heart manufactures endless idle schemes and vain wishes. The consequences prove ruinous—he becomes a burden to all connected with him, often injuring his dearest friends, preying upon others' property, and bringing disgrace upon his family. Slothfulness breeds envy, discontent, fraud, and lying; it corrupts every station of life it touches.

Most gravely, a sluggard cannot be a truly religious person or possess the graces that mark a member of Christ and child of Elohim. He may desire the good things of religion, yet refuses the means to obtain them—thus he desires, and has nothing. Yahweh is found only by those who diligently seek Him.

By contrast, diligence—both in temporal and spiritual calling—yields plenty and comfort. The providence of Adonai appoints work to every person, regardless of rank. Honest labour fortifies against vice; those trained in industry seldom fall into criminal excess. In religion, the diligent use of appointed means of grace receives Divine blessing. These industrious souls accomplish the greatest good in the world, honoured by both God and men.