Proverbs 24:30-34 - Homiletics

The field of the slothful

Nothing is more characteristic of the Book of Proverbs than its scorn of slothfulness and its strenuous inculcation of industry. To doubt these subjects were especially important in view of the perennial indolence of Orientals. But slothfulness is not unknown in the West, and in the fierce competition of modern life a smaller indulgence in idleness will bring sure disasters. Men often blame their circumstances, the injustice of fate, etc; when they should accuse their own lack of energy. The difference between the successful and those who fail to attain anything in life is more often than not just that between hard work and self-indulgent, easy living. Moreover, many men who are diligent in business are most slothful in spiritual matters. Hence applications of the parable in the present day.

I. THE STATE OF THE FIELD .

1 . This is visible to the casual wayfarer . The writer simply "went by" it; yet he took in enough at a glance to understand its condition. A man's character is impressed upon his work. A slovenly man will have a slovenly hand. The neglected field and the ill-kept vineyard reveal the idle and foolish nature of their owner.

2 . The field is seen to be in a miserable condition .

II. THE CONDUCT OF THE OWNER .

1 . It is slothful .

2 . It is self-indulgent . The sluggard enjoys his sleep. Selfishness is the root of idleness. But this, in turn, is stupefying. One does not note how the fresh morning glides away while he lies with his eyes closed in sinful sleep. So also the slumber of the soul that neglects the call to its highest duty is a selfish sleep.

3 . It is foolish . The sleep is a poor compensation for poverty and shame.

III. THE CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES .

1 . Ruin follows . Poverty comes on the slothful man of business as a natural punishment. Poverty of soul, emptiness, fruitlessness, and finally death follow spiritual sloth.

2 . This may be unsuspected . "Like a highwayman."

3 . It will be irresistible . The want will come "as an armed man."

CONCLUSION . Sloth is peculiarly liable to creep into one's habits without being noticed, Therefore the need of Verse 32.