villains: sluggard (sloth)

Villains: sluggard (sloth) I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. ~ Proverbs 24:30-34 Unlike the other Old Testament characters who are a part of the Villains series, Sluggard is not a ‘real’ person. Yet most of us have observed any number of individuals who lived down to the expectations of the sluggard as described in the Book of Proverbs. Sluggards are people with big dreams, great expectations, and an inflated self-esteem. However, as they are more willing to scheme and dream than to labor, they never actually accomplish anything of real value. In fact, the end result of their lack of diligence is the degradation and ruin of what surrounds them: vineyards, walls, relationships, and lives. Here is a list of various passages dealing specifically with ‘the sluggard’ and with actions consistent with such a life-style. Proverbs 6:6-11, Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has not commander… Proverbs 10:4-5, Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops… Proverbs 10:26, As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them. Proverbs 12:27, The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt. Proverbs 13:4, A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. Proverbs 15:19, The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 19:24, A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth! Proverbs 20:4, Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. Proverbs 21:25, The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. Proverbs 22:13, The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” Proverbs 26:13-16, A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” As a door… Matthew 25:26, His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I…

GETTING STARTED 1. Compare and contrast lazy, slothful, busy, diligent, and work. 2. Share some of the best excuses (not real reasons) you’ve heard/offered for not doing something (homework, work, etc.)?

IN THE TEXT 1. Begins with Proverbs 24:30-34 a. What scene does this proverb describe? b. Try to think of a more contemporary illustration of this same point. c.

What lesson does he learn?

d. Recognizing the Hebrews were to observe a Sabbath rest, what is his conclusion? 2. Read through the Proverbs listed at the bottom of the front page. a. Are there any you would describe as humorous? How can humor be used to teach? b. Why tell a sluggard to look to an ant? What could be learned? c.

Name some of the problems of a sluggard.

d. What is the point about the lion (the proverb is repeated)? e. How lazy is a sluggard?

3. Read Matthew 25:26 in context and with a sluggard in mind. What could be described as spiritual sloth?

4. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:10. What does Paul tell the Thessalonian church to do with a person who is unwilling to work (sounds like a sluggard – someone involved in sloth)?

IN MY LIFE 1. How does developing of spiritual disciplines help in combating temptation(s)? 2. How can your community group pray for you this week? 3. What can your community group do in the weeks ahead to help us in reaching others for Christ?