Wisdom and Diligence – Part 3 (Proverbs 4)
I. Diligence in Our Hearts and Minds
II. Diligence in Our Actions
A. Diligent to Avoid Wickedness (Proverbs 4:14-15, 24; 5:8; 6:25; 16:17)
1. We immediately flee from the danger
2. We keep distance between ourselves and the evil
Reasons we are lazy:
– We do not want to give the effort to fight evil
– We listen to excuses
– We allow the temptation to be prolonged
B. Diligent to do Righteousness (Proverbs 11:18-19, 27; 19:16; 28:4)
1. Readily apply what we learn
2. Joyfully study and apply Scripture
Reasons we are lazy:
– We misunderstand God’s grace
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11-12
– We love and in joy other things more
– We are only ever on the defensive spiritually
C. Diligent in Secular Work (Proverbs 24:30-34; 14:23; 12:11; 21:26; Colossians 3:23)
1. We work with enthusiasm
2. We set our focus to the ob at hand
3. We get right to it without delaying
Reasons we are lazy:
– We pretend that our spiritual life does not intersect with our secular life
– We believe that God will still provide (Proverbs 12:11)
– We forget who we are working under
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Colossians 3:23