Proverbs 6:9 goes on to say this: "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?" In other words, when will you open your eyes, focus on God's answer, and begin to allow His Word to take root and govern your life for success?
Verses 10 and 11 say: "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travels, and thy want as an armed man." Notice Moffatt's translation of verse 11 on the results of slothfulness: "Yes, and poverty will pounce on you, want will overpower you." The slothful person has no power to resist poverty.
The person who is habitually lazy and averse to exertion concerning the things of God will never be able to experience a successful relationship with God, nor the fullness of His provision. If he will not make the effort to take care of everyday practical matters of life, he will not develop in spiritual areas either.
The inner qualities of the diligent person are expressed in wise business practices, financial responsibility, and devotion to his work. The diligent person is dependable and will put in an honest day's work for his employer.
The slothful person, on the other hand, has little regard for the things he possesses. His house is a mess. His car is littered and dirty. He does not take the responsibility for adequately maintaining the things that he has. He looks for a way to do as little as possible.
Proverbs 12:27 in The Amplified Bible refers to this type of person in this way: "The slothful man will not catch his game, or roast it if he should kill it; but the diligent man will get precious possessions." God continues to increase the person who will consider the things he receives from the Lord as precious.
I know a man who received a sizable inheritance. He lived grand for about a year. But he made no provision or plans for the future. Suddenly he came to the tragic realization that his money supply was almost depleted, and he had little to show for what he had spent. When you allow God's Word to govern your life, He will lead you to know how to increase. But you must be sensitive to Him to obtain and follow Him wisdom.
This is an extremely important spiritual truth. You will continue to increase in the area of your life in which you are actively applying God's Word. Let the Word establish new goals for you that will enhance your ability to live an overcoming life, a life that is pleasing to God.
You have the desire to be motivated by the Word of God. Cultivate that desire. Let it begin to take root in your heart. You have the ability to be a planner because you have God's ability in you. Let the determination of the Holy Spirit make you a success at everything you put your hand to.
Be established within your spirit, and He will continually draw you into a place of commitment to Him in order to bring increase into your life.
Excerpt permission granted by Dennis Burke Ministries
Since 1979, Dennis Burke has led multitudes of believers into the biblical principles of faith, healing, love, prosperity, and righteousness. Through the Insights: the Way to a New Life magazine, books, eBooks, CDs, and mp3 resources, Dennis has brought revelation knowledge on the truths of God's Word. He has taught Christians everywhere to know God more deeply and overcome the challenges life brings through faith in God's Word.
