Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Proverbs 28:19 (NIV)
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
Proverbs 28:19 (MSG)
Work your garden—you’ll end up with plenty of food; play and party—you’ll end up with an empty plate.
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“He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless people and frivolous pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” -AMPLIFIED
“There is no substitute for hard work.” Thomas A. Edison
Today’s proverb echos one that Solomon has already taught us:
“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless things lacks common sense and good judgment.” -Proverbs 12:11(AMP)
Solomon’s focus is on the need for hard-work; hard work and tenacity that would be stick-to-itiveness. To have tenacity is have determination, persistence and perseverance. It means that you are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job; not quitting before the job is done.
“Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.” ~Gordon B. Hinckley
“Whoever cultivates his land will have plenty of food in the harvest, but whoever cultivates worthless ventures will have poverty in abundance.” -(VOICE)
We find Solomon advising us to cultivate the land, work hard, and if you do so you will have plenty to eat. He also tells us those who do not work hard are worthless fools. They will end up in poverty.
Solomon’s comparison is this: hard work = bread/food, frivolous play = poverty/hunger.
“Hard work brings prosperity; playing around brings poverty.” -(TLB)
“Hard work never killed anyone.” ~Unknown
So, if you want to eat, you better work hard. If you intend to play and ignore your responsibilities then you can expect to go hungry. This is the same principle that Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church.
“Don’t you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” And now we’re getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately—no excuses, no arguments—and earn their own keep. Friends, don’t slack off in doing your duty.” -2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 (MSG)
We need to remember who it is that we are working for, God Almighty. Paul wrote to the Corinthians:
“So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God.” -1 Corinthians 10:31 (AMP)
To the Colossians, Paul wrote:
“Surely, no matter what you are doing (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father.” -Colossians 3:17 (VOICE)
To the servants there in Colossae Paul wrote:
“…Serve with a sincere heart (even when others aren’t watching), fearing the Lord who is always watching! So no matter what your task is, work hard. Always do your best as the Lord’s servant, not as man’s, because you know your reward is the Lord’s inheritance. You serve the Lord, the Anointed One, and anyone who does wrong will be paid his due because He doesn’t play favorites.” -Colossians 3:22-25 (VOICE)
To the Roman church Paul wrote:
“Live in true devotion to one another, loving each other as sisters and brothers. Be first to honor others by putting them first. Do not slack in your faithfulness and hard work. Let your spirit be on fire, bubbling up and boiling over, as you serve the Lord. Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer. Share what you have with the saints, so they lack nothing; take every opportunity to open your life and home to others.” -Romans 12:10-13 (VOICE)
“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.” ~Newt Gingrich
Over and over again we see this theme that we must work hard. We need to be diligent. We must do our best for the glory of God. We must be faithful servants; serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Paul also gave this warning to the Romans:
“And now consider this. You know well the times you are living in. It is time for you to wake up and see what is right before your eyes: for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” -Romans 13:11 (VOICE)
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven played music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
My friend, it is not good enough to slide through this life and just get by. We are told that we must work and work hard in this life. We must have that tenacity, that determination to work until the job is done; never giving up. We need to constantly remind ourselves who we represent, God Almighty. Let us always do our best to bring glory and honor to His Name.
“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are: Hard work, Stick-to-itiveness, and Common sense.” ~Thomas A. Edison
My Prayer:
Lord, I ask that you remind me often of whom I am representing in this journey through life, you. I want to be the best version of me that I can be; in order that I may bring glory and honor to you, Lord. I know that will come through hard work and tenacity. I realize that I need to be building your Kingdom. This is only possible if I keep my eyes on the goal. Help me to keep my priorities right, Lord. Be glorified through my life.
Growing with God 