"How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 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 6:9-11

Proverbs 6 is not really intended for the extreme fool who are beyond any help, but rather is addressed to impressionable readers, that they might heed the warnings. Even here in chapter 6, which addresses the sluggard, the words are meant for one who is not yet a sluggard: ‘Don’t be lazy’ is the simple message.

The outcome of folly is always harm, whether to fools themselves or to the community at large. In its warnings against folly, Proverbs is asking its readers what kind of footprint they want to leave behind: ‘Will you live in such a way as to harm yourself and others, or will you live wisely, carefully, and generously, that others will want to follow in your footsteps?’

Closing Prayer

Holy Spirit, continue to teach me how to live in ways that are right. Convict me where I need to change and, where I struggle, help me to walk in your strength, not my own.

(edited from Encounter with God)