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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 139

STUDY 139

Text: Proverbs 15
22 February 2004

Dear Parents,

DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF LAZINESS
Children are not by nature “lazy”. Children are full of life and activity. They love to play! Laziness is actually an acquired habit! Anybody can acquire this terrible habit – at any age!

The way of a lazy man is like a hedge of thorns,
But the way of the upright is a highway.

Proverbs 15:19

We have an intriguing statement in this text. Let us take time to ponder the following thoughts.

1. “The way of a lazy man”

Laziness can become a way of life! That’s the first alarming thought that we must take note of! We can, indeed we must, steer our children away from the path of laziness.

2. “Like a hedge of thorns”

This phrase warns us of the danger of the way of laziness!

a) Thorns grow wildly.

b) Thorns grow quickly.

c) Thorns can become a hedge around the lazy person.

d) A hedge of thorns will prevent any significant work done.

Obviously, there are grave dangers associated with laziness! We must do everything we can to prevent our children from becoming lazy!

3. An interesting comparison

It is most interesting to see the chosen contrast to laziness! We would assume that the opposite of being lazy is to be “hard-working”. This however was not the thought or the word chosen.

a) The way of the upright

In this comparison, laziness is virtually understood as something “unrighteous”. The way to combat laziness is to be upright. The practice of uprightness is the solution to the problem of laziness!

b) A highway

The industrious and hardworking person will find his life compared to a highway! He will succeed in life!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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