Thought for the Day

Verse 4 - The observation made here is that when it gets uncomfortable or difficult, a person who is lazy will cease to work. A good farmer knows that he must take care of his soil in the winter, as well as summer. We know that certain crops will not grow in the winter; however, the soil must still be plowed and laid to rest after the fall harvest so that a spring crop can be planted early. This entails working in the fall as winter is setting in, as well as working the ground in late winter and early spring for a summer crop.

Anyone unwilling to work in uncomfortable weather, or when the job calls for major exertion, is a sluggard. When harvest comes, he has no crops to gather for food for the coming year. He is reduced to begging from others or becoming dependent on a person or institution to feed him. He will remain poor. Work is part of God's plan for man. The Bible declares that those who do not work should not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 says, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies."

"He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4). In the natural, hardships and difficulties must be overcome in order to sow. Perseverance is necessary if we are to be successful in any endeavor. This principal can also be applied to spiritual things. We must be persistent in order to reap a blessing. The Lord encourages us not to give up if we do not receive an answer to our prayers right away. We must keep on asking, seeking, and knocking. And eventually, the way will be opened unto us. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" (Matthew 7:7-8).

Verse 5 - The Hebrew word for counsel includes deliberation and purpose. Only God knows what thoughts and purposes are in a person's innermost being; the "deep wells" of his heart. God will let us see the soul of another if we pray and seek Him. The purpose being, He wants us to be aware of people whose motives are evil, so that we will avoid being entrapped in bad situations. The Lord also wants us to know who has godly counsel so that we may pay attention to it. He wants us to have discernment or understanding of the purposes of other people.