May 31 - Proverbs 14:23

In all toil there is profit,

but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Proverbs 14:23

 

Over the years, I've spent a lot of time in academic environments. Many academics are very, very good at meetings and many are even better good at talking. (Even better at talking than pastors!). Sometimes, though, this method of operation leads only to "analysis paralysis."

 

I think there's a partial warning against analysis paralysis in today's proverb. More importantly, I think there's a true celebration of work.

 

Too many in our world treat "work" as a four-letter word. But creation begins with God working. And it is our privilege to come alongside God's creative endeavors and bless the world and bless our families through our labor.

 

With toil there is indeed profit. And it's more than just monetary. Good hard work can profit just about every aspect of the kingdom. It blesses families, companies, bosses. It provides a role model for our kids and neighbors. It can also put us in front of non-believers to whom we can witness. Yes, we can certainly take workaholism to an extreme, but in general try turning today's work into a kingdom blessing.

 

In Christ's Love,

a guy who talks a lot

(you be the judge if there's profit!)