Proverbs 20:4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God says...

“The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; Therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.” (Proverbs 20:4 KJV)

This proverb is a simple declaration of truth. No work, no food. Like it or not, we have a part to do in the system of seed time and harvest that the Lord sets in motion after the flood (Genesis 8:22). And, it involves loosening the soil before planting. It must be made ready at the right timing for spring sowing. So, the cold season is the best time to plow. But sluggards like to slumber. They find the cold a good reason not to plough, and leave their fields untouched. When summer harvest comes, they have nothing to reap. So, as this passage says, they beg!

When we were young growing in the farm, during school vacations, holidays and weekends, we, my brothers and I, used to wake up early day by day. Just as if we're still having school. Before the rainy season comes, we must prepare the fields and have the ground loosened for the seeds. We also helped our neighbors weed their farms when ours were done. It was not anything we eagerly do for fun. We often complained. But, we have to do it. We ate from the produce of those farms. We have no choice. God's word calls those who refuse to work - unless they “want to,” or find it “fulfilling”, sluggards. Refusing to do it foretells an empty stomach.

In frigid regions, farmers have to plow their farms in the fall and winter to have it ready for seedtime and harvest at the right season. And, youngsters have to “plow” their books through the night in today’s world to get an education. They must tend their assigned fields. Only then can both expect a harvest and a graduation. 

As children of God by faith in Jesus, whatever and wherever our fields are, we are expected to work on it. And by His provision of grace, we shall eat! It is written, Apostle Paul gave this reminder to the Thessalonians: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
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