Developing A Mind To Work

by Chris Simmons

When Nehemiah returned with the Jews to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he displayed the type of leadership that the world has always been in desperate need of. He led by example and motivated the people to “put their hands to the good work” (Nehemiah 2:17-18). Despite much opposition, they were successful in completing the wall because, as the scriptures note, “the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6). Solomon also had much to say in the book of Proverbs about the need to be diligent workers rather than lazy sluggards. No doubt, Solomon had the opportunity to observe the work habits, both good and bad, as God’s Temple and his own palace were being constructed. Solomon offers us more than just his observations though, we read of the wisdom given to him by God of the need to have a mind to work. Consider the following words of Solomon on this subject.

Proverbs 10:4-5, “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.” When we are blessed to have the chance to work, we can’t afford to do so negligently. We also read Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.” Unfortunately though, many today have found a way to get what they desire without making the effort to diligently work for it. Rest assured, God is displeased by such attitudes when men seek to “provide for his own” by means other than laboring with his hands (I Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 4:28). God’s word says such men are to be withdrawn from and are unworthy of the food they need to eat (II Thessalonians 3:6-12). Certainly there are temporal consequences when we approach our work in a negligent manner as an employer is not going to want to keep such an employee around for long. But more important are the eternal spiritual consequences of working with a negligent hand.

Solomon had much to say about the “sluggard,” which comes from a Hebrew word which simply means, sluggish, lazy, indolent or slothful. For example, in Proverbs 22:13, “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside; I shall be slain in the streets!’” (cf. Proverbs 26:13-16). The sluggard is never at a loss to find a reason for work to be either delayed or avoided all together. On the other hand, the diligent seek for opportunities to “put their hands to the plow” (Luke 9:62). The idea of taking advantage of opportunities is also made in Proverbs 20:4 where Solomon wrote, “The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, so he begs during the harvest and has nothing.” The sluggard fails to consider his responsibility as a steward of what God has blessed him with. Proverbs 24:30-34, “I passed by the field of the sluggard, and by the vineyard of the man lacking sense; and behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles, its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, then your poverty will come as a robber, and your want like an armed man.” We are called upon to “reflect” on the sluggard and “receive instruction” on the need to have a “mind to work.” A man who is “slack in his work” is considered the same as he who destroys (Proverbs 18:9).

Solomon even warns us about relying on and trusting in someone who is lazy. Proverbs 10:26, “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy one to those who send him.” The sluggard or lazy man will prove to be an irritating disappointment to anyone who relies on him.

As a positive example, Solomon points our attention to the animal world and asks us to consider the mighty ant. Proverbs 6:6-9, “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer, and gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?” Solomon here addresses the aspect of self-initiative. Many a man will work hard when made to. Will we be like the ant and work diligently even if someone else is not cracking the whip?

Let us never forget that the delineation between the diligent worker and the lazy sluggard is never an issue of strength and might or talent and ability. Rather, it’s a distinction of heart and mind. It’s an issue of courage and will. God’s people of Nehemiah’s day had “a mind to work.” Do we?