Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. No life is really secular. The sanctification of our labour for the bread that perisheth is one of the purposes of our holy religion. The principles set forth in this text in relation to earthly business have also their application to the spiritual life. 1. Human co-operation is necessary in the beginnings of the religious life. God does not save men as a rule by sudden movements of His Spirit upon their souls without their co-operation with Him. Spiritual ploughing consists of self-examination in the light of God's Word, followed by self-condemnation, the confession and renunciation of sin, and the other exercises of repentance. 2. Human co-operation in the Divine life is necessary all the way from the beginnings of repentance up to the throne of glory. 3. The text teaches not only the necessity for diligence, but also for courage. The sluggard was afraid of the cold. 4. The ploughing must be done at the right season. Youth is the best time for spiritual ploughing. (G. A. Bennetts, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. |
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