Choose Your Plenty – Proverbs in Practice
Proverbs, former procrastinators, makes it clear that the choices we make are part of a cause-and-effect process that we live with. We’d like to be the exception, but the book makes it clear how things usually work out. We should not expect to be spared consequences. Without them, we may not even recognize we chose unwisely.
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” Proverbs 28:19, 12:1
“Works his land” could be literal, but it applies to he who fulfills his responsibility. So, do I choose lots of provision or lots of neediness?
As parents or those in authority, we do not want to interfere with what God wants our children to learn. We should be careful about removing consequences that will help truth take root in their lives because they have to walk through the negative results of their decisions. Yes, we show grace; but it is not grace to enable wrong behavior. Generally, natural consequences are a major way God works in our lives to conform us to Christ. I may want to beg off my consequences or remove someone else’s, but that might keep us both mired in selfishness and immaturity that could later have a more serious result.
According to this proverb, how do we avoid such consequences? Rest and recreation are important parts of God’s design for us. We need them. What we want to avoid is over-indulging in them or choosing foolishly what “diversions” to pursue.
So, we ask, what are worthless pursuits?
Some translations say “fantasies,” “vain persons,” “empty pursuits.” We tend to think such things are neutral or harmless. Scripture indicates otherwise.
The root of “vain” is “empty.” Some things that draw our attention actually have nothing to offer us. Therefore, instead of gaining by pursuing them, we lose. We lose time, energy, brain development, heart engagement, reputation, example. We also lose what we could’ve gained from doing something worthwhile. Character, strength, charity, influence.
“Worthless” is “good for nothing.” Ouch. “Redeem the time.” Ephesians 5:16
Some versions say “follows frivolity.” That makes us think! Who/what do you follow? TV, movies, social media, electronic devices, gym, novels…. Diversions we allow to expand into becoming our lives need submission to God.
Ask the Lord. He’ll show us His perspective on what attracts us. He can reveal the end result of our pursuit. He can direct the amount of time we should spend on it or whether we should do it at all. He can tell us what He values and what He sees as worthless or harmful. Help discern by asking, does this take me closer to God? Because of this pursuit, am I neglecting other things or people? What will this truly cost me?
Wise rest and recreation pay dividends. Foolish pursuits are like dropping life down a black hole. Let’s work our land and choose our pursuits wisely.
What pursuit in your life will you ask the Lord about?
