Check out the SHINE BRIGHT Church teaching and watch it here!
“Socialism is a good thing!”
“Evolution is science!”
“People are basically good.”
“It’s just a clump of cells!”
“We’re all GOD’s children!”
“All paths lead to GOD!” In a way, this one IS true; all paths DO lead to GOD in Judgment and condemnation except for one path, and ONE path ONLY! – the one path of life that is Christ, the Way to the Father.
Considering the title of tonight’s teaching, laziness is the lie that says, “I’ll do it tomorrow, or if I wait long enough, some else will do it for me. Laziness always says, “I’ll do it tomorrow” (when you might not have tomorrow), and if and when tomorrow becomes today, you say the same thing, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
Of course, slander is a lie – it’s the criminal action of making false statements that are damaging to a person’s reputation.
PROVERBS 26:15-16
15 The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.
Laziness can have many causes – such as a lack of motivation, energy or even a proper diet or sleep. Lack of motivation in itself can be the result of having no interest, no confidence, or a feeling of being overwhelmed. A fear of failure or even success can result in avoidance and appear as laziness.
Depression seems to be a leading cause, rooted in feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. Stress is also a leading cause. Health issues, vitamin deficiencies, a lack of physical activity, an absence of structure without objectives, goals, established plans.
For the Christian who is lazy, we have to consider: is there a lack of motivation? As saints we ought to be motivated by the love of GOD with a thankful desire to do His will, to work in His Kingdom.
Lack of energy – we are indwelt with the very same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. No confidence? “If GOD be for us…?”
What about having no interest? A Christian who has no interest in the things of GOD, is a Christian who doesn’t appreciate all that GOD has done for them and promises to do for them in the future. I would even challenge such a person’s salvation who has no interest in the things of GOD…
Depression, hopelessness, pessimism, stress, being overwhelmed – all of these can be alleviated by taking in the truth of GOD’s Word and then submitting to it. Also an intentional and regular prayer life and having close association with saints who have gone through such trials themselves and have successfully navigated their way through them by the grace of GOD.
We might think of laziness as merely a character flaw, but the word of GOD says that it’s a wicked thing (MATT 25:26)!
MATTHEW HENRY Concise Commentary:
Like our LORD, we need to be about our Father’s business and we only have a certain allotment of time to get it all done. We can’t afford to be idle, because as the sayings go, “Idle hands are the devil’s playground,” and “time waits for no one.”
And let’s not forget, working in the kingdom need not be drudgery! We aren’t in this work by ourselves, but labor alongside our LORD Jesus Who has gone before us, preparing the way, and also is with us every step of the way:
PROVERBS 26: 17
He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel [strife, contention] not his own, Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
I don’t know if you’ve ever taken a dog by his ears, but it doesn’t sound like such a thing would go very well! You’ll likely get bit!
Apostle Paul admonished the church at Thessalonica in the following two passages:
Meddling is the sort of interference where the people involved in the problem will say, “Who asked you?”
Mediating usually happens on request, where the people involved will say, “We’re asking you for help.”
Meddling will accentuate the problem in order to stir up strife.
Mediating will take into account the problem and correct each person and always point to the Holy Revelation of GOD’s Word for the solution.
PROVERBS 26:18-19
18 Like a madman [Hebrew defines this as one who is rabid] who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, "I was only joking!"
Firebrands (arrows lit on fire), and arrows and death are all destructive, and there are people who stir up strife, gossip, deception; they’re intent misleading people through lies, or on character assassination, both motivations in order to ruin the lives of others. But when caught in the act, they won’t take responsibility their actions and pass it off by saying, “Just kidding”.
This world is full of people who are guilty of wrongdoing, but refuse to take responsibility for their actions, and when called on it, they’ll play the victim card or blame someone else for what they themselves have done.
This is indeed deceitful, a sure way to destroy relationships, one’s own integrity (where no one will take them seriously anymore), and should never, ever take place in the church!
When gossip, rumor and malice are running through the church, what we must realize is that we are one body in Christ! Physically speaking, this is like a person who takes a razor blade to their own arm and is given over to “cutting”.
Understand, whenever a professing Christian tears down another believer, belittles them, gossips about them – they are doing these things to Christ Who identifies with His church as His bride!
Saul of Tarsus who persecuted the church learned this lesson when Christ appeared to him and asked, “Why are you persecuting ME?!”
Don’t ever think that what is done in secret, behind closed doors or in a private phone conversation, text message, email, whatever – that it will remain secret!
PROVERBS 26:20-23
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
It's been my observation that those we are closest to, especially marriage partners, that there are some arguments that are never quite over; they’re just temporarily discontinued!
The very best way to stop an argument is the same way to stop a fire: quit feeding it. If there are seemingly irreconcilable differences, don’t take it to the bedroom where it will just continue ad nauseum, take it to the prayer closet and pray for them. If your spouse won’t hear you, then maybe they will hear GOD.
And married folks, where arguments might survive the night, don’t let your sinful anger survive! Nail it to the Cross!
It can spread throughout an entire church fellowship as easily as coals and wood once a flame is introduced. I’ve shared this story before, but it’s a very useful illustration (the church gossip and the feather pillow).
PROVERBS 26:23-26
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. 24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; 25 when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; 26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
Hypocrisy and humbleness are opposites – a humble person doesn’t hide a thing but readily admits their faults and failings, but points to Christ as the One Who will lead them to victory. The only thing a hypocrite will show is their mask.
We are children of the light, so we need to walk in the Light of the LORD (1 JOHN 1:7), with nothing hidden, not dwelling in shadows of darkness.
The saint who applies himself to wisdom will recognize hypocrisy on sight, and do all they can to kill it:
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Any Looney Toons fans out there? Remember Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner?
In the power of the tongue there is life and death (PROV 18:21); we can speak things that bring encouragement, and inspiration – but we can also speak things that bring ruin and depression.
My Mom used to say to us kids, “If you can’t say anything good, say nothing at all!”
ECCLESIASTES 5:2
Do not be rash with your mouth and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.
“Socialism is a good thing!”
“Evolution is science!”
“People are basically good.”
“It’s just a clump of cells!”
“We’re all GOD’s children!”
“All paths lead to GOD!” In a way, this one IS true; all paths DO lead to GOD in Judgment and condemnation except for one path, and ONE path ONLY! – the one path of life that is Christ, the Way to the Father.
Considering the title of tonight’s teaching, laziness is the lie that says, “I’ll do it tomorrow, or if I wait long enough, some else will do it for me. Laziness always says, “I’ll do it tomorrow” (when you might not have tomorrow), and if and when tomorrow becomes today, you say the same thing, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
Of course, slander is a lie – it’s the criminal action of making false statements that are damaging to a person’s reputation.
PROVERBS 26:15-16
15 The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.
Laziness can have many causes – such as a lack of motivation, energy or even a proper diet or sleep. Lack of motivation in itself can be the result of having no interest, no confidence, or a feeling of being overwhelmed. A fear of failure or even success can result in avoidance and appear as laziness.
Depression seems to be a leading cause, rooted in feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. Stress is also a leading cause. Health issues, vitamin deficiencies, a lack of physical activity, an absence of structure without objectives, goals, established plans.
For the Christian who is lazy, we have to consider: is there a lack of motivation? As saints we ought to be motivated by the love of GOD with a thankful desire to do His will, to work in His Kingdom.
Lack of energy – we are indwelt with the very same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. No confidence? “If GOD be for us…?”
What about having no interest? A Christian who has no interest in the things of GOD, is a Christian who doesn’t appreciate all that GOD has done for them and promises to do for them in the future. I would even challenge such a person’s salvation who has no interest in the things of GOD…
Depression, hopelessness, pessimism, stress, being overwhelmed – all of these can be alleviated by taking in the truth of GOD’s Word and then submitting to it. Also an intentional and regular prayer life and having close association with saints who have gone through such trials themselves and have successfully navigated their way through them by the grace of GOD.
We might think of laziness as merely a character flaw, but the word of GOD says that it’s a wicked thing (MATT 25:26)!
MATTHEW HENRY Concise Commentary:
"He hides his hand in his bosom for fear of cold or pretends that he’s lame, like those who make a trade of begging… he has an aversion to business; he has tried but his hands are not used to labor, and therefore he hugs himself in his own ease and cares for – nobody. Note, It is common for those that will not do their duty to pretend they cannot. “I cannot dig”, said the prideful steward in LUKE 16:3.
"He himself is the loser by it, for he starves himself: It grieves him to bring his hand to his mouth, that is, he cannot find in his heart to feed himself, but dreads, as if it were a mighty toil, to lift his hand to his head. It is an elegant hyperbole, aggravating his sin, that he cannot endure to take the least pains, no, not for the greatest profit, and showing how his sin is his punishment.
"Those that are slothful in the business of religion [cannot be bothered] to feed their own souls with the word of God, the bread of life, nor to fetch in promised blessings by prayer, though they might have them for the fetching."
Imagine if Noah had been lazy in building the ark. Or if Moses was lazy in his mission of leading Israel through the wilderness. Or Joshua, in leading Israel to conquer Canaan. Or Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem.
The greatest example we have, in every respect, is the LORD Jesus Himself. You can’t even conceive of “Jesus” and “lazy” being in the same sentence.
The greatest example we have, in every respect, is the LORD Jesus Himself. You can’t even conceive of “Jesus” and “lazy” being in the same sentence.
EPHESIANS 2:10As Christians our lives are not our own; we belong to the LORD Who purchased us with His own blood. He has ordained, that is, “prepared beforehand” – good works for us before the world was ever created. Think about that – GOD’s “To Do” list He has made for you was set in ink before He ever said, “Let there be light”!
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Like our LORD, we need to be about our Father’s business and we only have a certain allotment of time to get it all done. We can’t afford to be idle, because as the sayings go, “Idle hands are the devil’s playground,” and “time waits for no one.”
And let’s not forget, working in the kingdom need not be drudgery! We aren’t in this work by ourselves, but labor alongside our LORD Jesus Who has gone before us, preparing the way, and also is with us every step of the way:
MATTHEW 11:29The Kingdom of GOD is the only place where working for the LORD brings rest for our souls!
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
PROVERBS 26: 17
He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel [strife, contention] not his own, Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
I don’t know if you’ve ever taken a dog by his ears, but it doesn’t sound like such a thing would go very well! You’ll likely get bit!
Apostle Paul admonished the church at Thessalonica in the following two passages:
1 THESSALONIANS 4:11So even here we have an admonition to keep out of other people’s affairs and be diligent, not negligent (lazy) in your work.
that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,
2 THESSALONIANS 3:11-12And also from PROVERBS:
For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
PROVERBS 4:14-17There is a big difference between meddling and mediating. Meddling will always make things worse. Mediating works to make things better.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on. 16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
Meddling is the sort of interference where the people involved in the problem will say, “Who asked you?”
Mediating usually happens on request, where the people involved will say, “We’re asking you for help.”
Meddling will accentuate the problem in order to stir up strife.
Mediating will take into account the problem and correct each person and always point to the Holy Revelation of GOD’s Word for the solution.
PROVERBS 26:18-19
18 Like a madman [Hebrew defines this as one who is rabid] who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, "I was only joking!"
Firebrands (arrows lit on fire), and arrows and death are all destructive, and there are people who stir up strife, gossip, deception; they’re intent misleading people through lies, or on character assassination, both motivations in order to ruin the lives of others. But when caught in the act, they won’t take responsibility their actions and pass it off by saying, “Just kidding”.
This world is full of people who are guilty of wrongdoing, but refuse to take responsibility for their actions, and when called on it, they’ll play the victim card or blame someone else for what they themselves have done.
This is indeed deceitful, a sure way to destroy relationships, one’s own integrity (where no one will take them seriously anymore), and should never, ever take place in the church!
When gossip, rumor and malice are running through the church, what we must realize is that we are one body in Christ! Physically speaking, this is like a person who takes a razor blade to their own arm and is given over to “cutting”.
Understand, whenever a professing Christian tears down another believer, belittles them, gossips about them – they are doing these things to Christ Who identifies with His church as His bride!
Saul of Tarsus who persecuted the church learned this lesson when Christ appeared to him and asked, “Why are you persecuting ME?!”
Don’t ever think that what is done in secret, behind closed doors or in a private phone conversation, text message, email, whatever – that it will remain secret!
GALATIANS 6:7If there are disagreements or sin issues that need to be dealt with, everyone of us must follow the LORD’s instructions on MATTHEW 18:15-17. You go to them personally and deal with it – don’t broadcast it to others in the church! If unresolved, take one or two others to mediate, and if they’re not heard, then before church leadership.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
MATTHEW 12:36-37
36 "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak [or write], they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
PROVERBS 26:20-23
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
It's been my observation that those we are closest to, especially marriage partners, that there are some arguments that are never quite over; they’re just temporarily discontinued!
The very best way to stop an argument is the same way to stop a fire: quit feeding it. If there are seemingly irreconcilable differences, don’t take it to the bedroom where it will just continue ad nauseum, take it to the prayer closet and pray for them. If your spouse won’t hear you, then maybe they will hear GOD.
And married folks, where arguments might survive the night, don’t let your sinful anger survive! Nail it to the Cross!
EPHESIANS 4:6Where a slanderer talks to an individual, it hardly ever stops there, gossip spreads – unless you have a godly, righteous saint, who stops both the slander and the slanderer in their tracks and rebukes them for it!
"Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
Again, in matters of the church, talebearing – that is, slandering – is an ongoing issue.
GALATIANS 5:15-16
15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
It can spread throughout an entire church fellowship as easily as coals and wood once a flame is introduced. I’ve shared this story before, but it’s a very useful illustration (the church gossip and the feather pillow).
PROVERBS 26:23-26
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. 24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; 25 when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; 26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
PROVERBS 6:16-19
16 These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
Adam Clarke, noted pastor of the 19th century had this short note in his commentary:I hate hypocrisy – most especially when I see it in me! It’s a terrible work of the flesh where we want to appear before others as better than what we really are. Hypocrisy and pride are close cousins! Both want to exalt self!
“Burning lips and a wicked heart. Splendid, shining, smooth lips; that is, lips which make great professions of friendship are like a vessel plated over with base metal to make it resemble silver; but it is only a vile pot, and even the outside is not pure."
Jamieson, Fausset and Brown said,
“Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude earthenware.”
Hypocrisy and humbleness are opposites – a humble person doesn’t hide a thing but readily admits their faults and failings, but points to Christ as the One Who will lead them to victory. The only thing a hypocrite will show is their mask.
We are children of the light, so we need to walk in the Light of the LORD (1 JOHN 1:7), with nothing hidden, not dwelling in shadows of darkness.
The saint who applies himself to wisdom will recognize hypocrisy on sight, and do all they can to kill it:
JAMES 3:17-18PROVERBS 26:27-28
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Any Looney Toons fans out there? Remember Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner?
In the power of the tongue there is life and death (PROV 18:21); we can speak things that bring encouragement, and inspiration – but we can also speak things that bring ruin and depression.
My Mom used to say to us kids, “If you can’t say anything good, say nothing at all!”
ECCLESIASTES 5:2
Do not be rash with your mouth and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.
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