Daily Proverbs - Proverb 13:4

The wealthiest man - King Solomon - who ever lived wrote the proverbs. He must've known something! Although the Bible was written millenia ago, its contents actually are applicable and beneficial today. When eternal principals and laws (not talking about the ten commandments when I write "law" here. I am referencing governing systems that are alive, whether we know it or not! I believe Solomon understood these "laws".) are honored, your life will benefit, even if you don't adhere to the Judaeo-Christian beliefs contained in the rest of the Bible

The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent are fully satisfied. - Proverb 13:4

The word "slacker" in this verse is translated from the Hebrew word atsel (prounounced aw-tsale) and means "indolent: slothful sluggard." I think of people I have known throughout life who always desire more, yet, do not improve their circumstances through diligent effort. They would rather try their hand at gambling than get a job or education. They would rather play video games all day than clean their home. (Again, I am not implying that there is not a place for game play or entertainment. That is part of life and relaxation - a part of recharging to be fully loaded physically and mentally for pursuit of purpose.) They would rather sit mindlessly watching television or movies rather than improve their minds through reading or study. Yet, when they put down the remotes, they are left empty -- and return to the same routine in attempt to numb themselves.

Quite the contrast is the picture of the diligent. The word "diligent" is translated from the Hebrew word "chawruts," pronounced khaw-roots. Chawruts is a passive participle, which in the Hebrew language means the subject is acted upon by the verb (the boy was hugged by his mom, or, John was hit by the ball). So, in this passage, the "diligent" are on the receiving end of the verb. The King James rendering of the second half reads more accurately, "but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat."

One of the definitions of "chawrtuts" is "eager" and "determined". The diligent pursuing their purpose and its details with eager determination. They're not mumbling under their breath, complaining that someone else didn't receive a difficult assignment. They're not waiting until the last minute to meet a deadline. They approach each task with an eager determination.

Reading this verse and the words' definition challenged me. Am I pursuing my purpose as wife, mother and business owener with eager determination, or am I just going through a check list half-heartedly? For some tasks I am eagerly determined in my pursuit, while, admittedly, in more than I want to acknowledge, I cannot say the words "eagerly determined" accurately describe my attitude. I am changing that, because I desire to activate an eternal law of reward: the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. As I pursue my purpose, and fulfilling joyfully with eager determination its details, the eternal law will cause my soul (my mind, will, emotions, imagination and intellect) to be fat.

"To be made fat" means "to anoint" and "to satisfy" in addition to "to fatten." Fat is not indicative of having just enough to get by. "Fat" is indicative of having a steady supply of more than enough. I could stand that... what about you?

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture is from the Holman Christian Study Bible; all Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic references are from Strong's Concordance; all English definitions and word roots are according to Merriam-Webster.

Creator and Lover of My Soul,

Eternal laws are in place. I desire to activate them in the benefit of myself and all of those in my sphere of influence: family, friends, neighbors. I am asking You to help me be honest with myself as I inventory my life. Am I being eagerly determined in the details of my life purpose(s)? Or am I just getting by in some. I desire to be made fat in my soul, to have more than enough. Help me to hear wisdom in how to change, and simply to "cowgirl" or "cowboy-up" and work with willing hands.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Thank you for reading! I hope this hub helps you journey successfully in life.

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