9/7/2025
Turn with me to Proverbs 19:22-24. These are our verses to study and memorize this week.
Proverbs 19:22-24 What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. 23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. 24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, But will not even bring it back to his mouth.
Introduction
With these verses we finish up the chiasm which extends from Proverbs 19:15-24. This matching stair-step arrangement of verses concludes our broader section of Proverb’s which focus on “finding good” in our relationships. In the center of the chiasm (with its extra emphasis) we looked at the negative side of giving discipline and the positive side of accepting it. Now, as we walk back down the stair steps of the chiasm, we are being reminded of and expanding on what we learned in the first part of the chiasm. These are all important truths which will enable us to find the good in our relationships that God designed them to have.
At the beginning of our chiasm verse 15 highlighted the danger that laziness has for our relationships. This is now being matched in verse 24 with the behavior of the sluggard. Verse 16 emphasized that a foundational reality which affects all our relationships is whether or not we keep “the commandment” to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and might. This is echoed verse 23 which again looks at the foundation of all relationships with the “fear of the Lord.”
Then verse 17 looked at graciousness to the poor and God’s reward of that behavior. This correlates with verse 22 where being poor is better than being a liar, and where faithful loving-kindness is described as what we all really want. These righteous character traits are what really make a difference in relationships, not money.
With that overview, let’s take a closer look at loyal love, the fear of the Lord, and laziness in Proverbs 19:22-25.
22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.
While being poor is often stigmatized, what is truly desirable in people is kindness and truth—not riches or lying to get ahead.
This proverb emphasizes that what people really crave and long for in relationships is faithful, loyal love. Regardless of whether this is in reference to a spouse, a friend, a sibling, a parent, a business partner, or anyone else that is what we want. The word for “kindness” here is the rich and important Hebrew word “Chesed.” It is a loyal love. It is a deep, unfailing kindness. This is what all of us want. With employees and co-workers we want reliable, trustworthy people who show up, helpfully do their job, and are loyal. They do not leave us stranded in a tight spot. With friends, siblings, and other loved ones we do not want people who betray us, stab us in the back, gossip about us, mock us, or let us down in time of need. We want people who are reliable and there for us. We want people that we can trust, who come to us when there is an issue and get to the bottom of things without lying, gossiping, and slandering. We want people who lovingly tell us the hard things, and then stick around to help us change and grow.
With spouses, we want to be loved with an unconditional love. We do not want someone who lies, is unfaithful, and then abandons us. We do not want someone who is mean, manipulative, and selfish. We want someone who sticks with us lovingly through thick and thin. We want someone who is supportive, kind, helpful, and has our best interest at heart.
This is what we want in our relationships with people. This is what is most desirable: unfailing loving-kindness. Likewise, this is what we ought to be like in the way that we treat other people. This is what we ought to be like in our marriages, in our relationships with our siblings, in our relationships with friends, church family, and coworkers. As our proverb tells us, it is better to be a poor man and have this than to be filthy rich and have a character flaw of being an unreliable, unfaithful liar.
When we consider this proverb in light of the chiasm that we find it in, we see that it is connected back to Proverbs 19:17 and goes even deeper. Proverbs 19:17 told us that:
Proverbs 19:17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.
In this verse we see the needs of the poor man and the character trait of graciousness being elevated. We also see that this righteous behavior is rewarded by God and is actually done in essence to Him. God’s valuation of righteousness in our behavior is exalted. In the chiasm structure, this connection to God carries over to our current proverb. It is not just people that find faithful, loyal love the most desirable of traits in people. God does as well. This faithful loving-kindness is God’s created plan for our relationships with one another and with Him. It is what He rewards.
Not only does God value and reward graciousness and loyal loving-kindness. He also is the one who has perfectly lived them out towards us. We are the poor, depraved, sinful, traitorous people who have been shown graciousness in the mercy of Jesus with His death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf. Jesus is also the One who shows us undeserved, faithful, loyal love.
He is the One who has kept His word which was given in the garden of Eden that a redeemer, of the seed of the woman, would come to deal with Satan, sin, and death. Jesus became poor to do it. He did not grasp His exalted status as God, but rather humbly added on humanity to His deity in the incarnation. He took upon Him the form of a slave and became obedient unto death, even death on the cross to conquer sin, death, and hell (Phil. 2). He paid the full punishment for our sin in the utmost expression of loyal love in order to give us His righteousness and reconcile us to the Father. As John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
Thus, Jesus amazingly fulfills these proverbs while also showing us the depth of the truth of them. This kind of love and kindness is what we all want and need to receive. It is what Jesus has given for us. Have you trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Have you received this love which God gives? If not, turn from your sin. Trust in Jesus. Receive His forgiveness and eternal loving kindness instead of the eternal judgment that we deserve for our sin.
If we have trusted Him as our Lord and Savior, then be encouraged. This is the kind of unfailing love that Jesus is continuing to show us day by day throughout life. Since He went to the cross for us He will also give us all that we need, as Romans 8:31-39 promises. He truly loves us. He is kind. He is faithful. He has sent His Spirit to live in us and help. Depend on Him. He has given us His Word with its promises and guidance. He has given us fellow believers to help, encourage, and challenge us.
As disciples of Jesus this is the kind of lives that we are also called to live out. We ought to follow Jesus in His perfect pattern and example. As 1 John 2:6 says, “the one who says he abides in Him [Jesus] ought himself to walk in the manner as He [Jesus] walked.” There is no place for lying in our lives. We ought to speak and live the truth. We ought to fulfill our words faithfully. Likewise, we ought to give this unfailing loving-kindness to our spouses, our children, our friends, our coworkers, and all the people that we interact with. This is a loving-kindness that does what is best for others regardless of the cost to ourselves. If this is how we live, we will indeed find good in our relationships.
Scriptural Example: In Scripture we see another helpful example of this with David and Mephibosheth. David showed a loyal love to Mephibosheth by keeping his word to his father Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 20:14-17 Jonathan and David covenanted together. David promised that when he came into his kingdom, in accordance with God’s anointing, that he would show loving-kindness (this same word) to Jonathan. He also promised to not cut off his loving-kindness from Jonathan’s house forever.
It was often the custom for newly arisen kings to wipe out any of their enemies—including the whole family of the previous king. The thought was to prevent them from trying to cause problems and retake the throne. David covenanted not to do that with Jonathan’s family even when the Lord cut off all the rest of David’s enemies from the earth. David kept his word. When the kingdom was consolidated under his authority he took great pains to look for any remaining descendents of Jonathan who might have survived the Philistine wars and the civil war which had gripped the nation for years.
He found the lame Mephibosheth and appointed him a special place at his own table for the rest of his life. He made sure that Mephibosheth also received the lands and inheritance that had previously belonged to Saul’s family. Thus, even though Saul had wrongly tried to kill David for years up until his death, and even though there had been a civil war with Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth and general Abner where they wrongly tried to keep David from the throne, David made sure to keep his word when it was all said and done. He made sure to honor his friendship with his deceased friend Jonathan by keeping the enduring covenant that he had made. He was not a liar. He was loyal and kind. Even though it greatly cost him of the spoils that many would have said was rightly his from Saul and his family, David would not keep them. Instead, he kept his word and kept giving faithful, loving-kindness day in and day out.
That is true friendship that continues on despite death, despite the evils of others, and despite what it might cost oneself. This is the kind of behavior that is desirable in people. This is the kind of friendship and relationship that we all want in our lives with our friends, family, and other relationships. We want people to live righteously, honorably, and lovingly. We want them to be unceasingly loyal and kind.
Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this proverb with the rest of Scripture we see it reiterated in Micah 6:8. This faithful loving-kindness is precisely what God designed for us to have in our lives and is what He expects of us.
Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
The “kindness” that we are to love is this same one from our proverb: “Chesed.” God expects of us that we love to live out a life of faithful loving-kindness in our relationships. That is what he expects of us as husbands, wives, parents, friends, church members, employees, employers, and citizens.
In the New Testament Romans 12:9-10 pictures this kind of faithful love.
Romans 12:9-10 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Truth in Connection: As we connect all this to our lives, we can and should ask ourselves how we are doing in living out this kind of faithful love in our different relationships. Do we turn on people and become bitter and vengeful when they fail us? Do we give them the silent treatment? Or do we remain loyal and work through issues with kindness and love? Where we find ourselves falling short we need to turn back to God’s perfect, righteous design for us. In Christ we are no longer slaves to sin. We do not need to and should not be living selfishly. We need to be re-learning love from the one who has loved, is loving, and will always perfectly love us. Look to Christ to learn how to love. Forgive. Lay down your life daily to serve both your friends and even your enemies. Put away bitterness.
Beyond that, understand what this all means about the nature of people and even yourself. What we all need and want is this kind of faithful loving-kindness. That is what we crave, long for, and truly desire. Money and other physical traits are not that important when faithful loving-kindness is absent.
Do not marry someone who is not actively working towards following Jesus to be faithful, loving, and kind like this. Do not make your close friends people who are not following Jesus like this. Otherwise they will just leave behind them a trail of pain, destruction and lies. The farther they are from God’s ideal the faster they will do it as they selfishly use, abuse, manipulate, and mislead while being unfaithful.
Therefore, within your family, business, and spheres of influence look to encourage and model this true kind of love. Look for these kinds of people in your life. They are the ones who will work through issues, be the best friends, and be the best employees. Anything besides this kind of loyal love will end up breeding lies, selfishness, and other behaviors which destroy relationships. We need to understand this and live in light of it both in the way that we live and in the relationships that we cultivate. May our lives be characterized by this loving-kindness that we all need and desire. May we find the deepest fulfillment of it in Jesus, and may we grow in expressing it through Him.
Our next proverb returns to directly dealing with the foundational issue of our relationship to God.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.
Life, peace, and safety come from fearing the Lord.
This proverb echoes Proverbs 19:16 on the other side of our chiasm.
Proverbs 19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of conduct will die.
As we discussed when we studied that proverb, “the commandment” refers to the foundational one proclaimed in Deuteronomy 6 to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and might. The result of loving God with all our heart, soul, and might is going to be living in light of Him in all that we do. In this life, this is going to include a real fear. Despite what some people might try to tell you, the meaning of the word for fear there is indeed fear. Yet, notice what it says. That same fear is what leads to life, to a satisfied, contented peace of mind, and to safety from evil.
Think about it. This fear is part of what God uses (along with His love) to bring us to trusting in Him for redemption and turning from our sin initially. We see our sin, the destruction awaiting us at His just hands, and we also see that His loving way of redemption in Jesus is the only means of salvation from that. Our fear drives us to Him. This fear is also part of what God uses to bring us to continue to trust in God day by day, to avoid sin, and to daily depend on Him. Throughout our life we now learn to fear Him more than anyone and anything else. We will fear His judgment if we consider going off into sin. This fear also fears the loss of pleasing God. It fears the judgment seat of Christ that 2 Corinthians 5:10 speaks of where we will each be recompensed for our actions whether good or bad. It fears grieving the Holy Spirit by whom we were sealed for our eternal redemption (Ephesians 4:30). It fears God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11).
Do not just take my word for it that this is a real fear. Look at the overwhelmingly fierce picture that Hebrews 12:18-31 gives of God in relation to us as believers.
Hebrews 12:18-29 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, 19 and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. 20 For they could not bear the command, “IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.” 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
If God’s deliverance of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai was a shatteringly fearful thing when His presence shook one mountain, think about what it will be like when God shatters this whole world and the heavens in the fierce deliverance of His judgment. Everything which can be shaken will be. If Moses and the other people of God feared disobeying Him then, ought we not also to fear Him if we refuse Him, despise Him, and sin against Him? It is indeed a fearful thing, even for believers, to refuse or ignore the all powerful sovereign God who is going to shake both the heavens and earth in His mighty judgment of it (Hebrews 12:25-27). We need to remember that our God is holy. He is indeed a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:31). A raging, consuming fire is not something to be trifled with. It cannot be controlled or manipulated.
Scripture juxtapositions the undeniable realities that God is both love and a consuming fire. He is merciful, and just. He is gracious, and unbendingly holy. He is compassionate, and He is perfectly righteous. These realities do not in any way contradict each other. Accordingly, as we truly get to know Him more and more, we will both love Him more and more and fear Him more and more. We will not dare walk in sin and presume on His grace, knowing His hatred and judgment of sin. We will boldly come to the throne of grace, while also humbly walking in greater consciousness of our sin having been cleansed at the loving expense of Jesus’ own blood shed on our behalf. We will both love and fear Him.
We will see our own unworthiness more clearly, and our worthiness in the righteousness of Christ more deeply. This will inspire both greater love and greater fear the deeper we see these truths. This should grow until the day we are with Him eternally in perfected holiness. Then there will be no need for fear as perfect love will cast out fear. In that state an awe, appreciation, respect, and an awareness of His great transcendence, holiness, and greatness will forever remain in a deeper way than we can probably even comprehend now. Within that proper perspective of who God is, a perfect, abiding love will likewise remain forever. Our faith and hope will be turned into reality in Jesus. Likewise, our fear of judgment will be removed as we are made sinless in Jesus. Thus there will be no more need for them. But our love will be perfected and permanent. It will never fail or end, as 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 talks about.
Until that time when our sinful flesh is no more, though, part of loving God is a true, healthy, right, actual fear of Him. When it is present, it leads to life, peace, and safety. Why? Because it drives us to repentance. It drives us to surrender to Him. It drives us to faith in His one and only way of redemption in Jesus Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection in our place. Knowing Him as our Lord and Savior it then daily drives us away from sin and to walking in dependence on Him. It drives us to His love, fellowship, protection, and help in every area of life. When we walk with Him we have nothing to fear from anyone or anything else in this life or eternally. We have true safety. We have the true security of His promises, protection, help, and love. Evil cannot really touch us.
Scriptural Example: Noah is a good example of this. He feared the Lord. He did not walk in the sinfulness of the world all around him. He walked in obedience to God. When God called him to build a boat to escape God’s coming flood judgment he feared God more than the mocking of people, and more than the long, arduous work that this project required. Thus, through his fear of God, he was rescued. He was untouched by the evil. He was able to sleep safely and be satisfied. God protected him. Notice how Hebrews 11:7 ties his reverence for God with his rescue and safety.
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this proverb with the rest of Scripture we see it described picturesquely by David in Psalm 34:9-10.
Psalm 34:9-10 O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want. 10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
Psalm 112 also describes the life, satisfaction, and safety which the fear of the Lord brings.
Psalm 112:1, 7-8 Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments. … 7 He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is upheld, he will not fear, Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.
Truth in Connection: This proverb does not mean that we will not experience hardship. It does not mean that we will not be persecuted. But it does mean that when we are in obedience to God and living in the fear of Him rather than of people, circumstances, or suffering we will be able to have the peace of knowing we are doing and living exactly as we should be. We will know that we are in the center of God’s will and under His full protection and sovereign care. Evil will not be able to truly touch us or overtake us. Yes, physical harm might occur, but nothing will be able to separate us from God’s love and His overseeing protection. Events may not always work out like we physically want—like in Job’s case. But, we can be fully assured and fully at peace that God will work all things out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He will safely bring us into His eternal kingdom and nothing can prevent us from receiving that (1 Peter 1:3-9, 13). We will not fear those who can only kill the body—when God can kill the body and judge the soul eternally! (Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:4-5)
We will trust that God will bring justice on anything done to us. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” He says in Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30. We will trust that even if our bodies are killed He will give us new, perfect, unblemished ones in which we will reside with Him forever. With the assurance of these truths, no matter the outcome of our circumstances we can have a peace which will eternally guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31, KJV, cf. also Psalm 118:6, Hebrews 13:5-6) If God be for us, what does it matter who or what is against us if we are walking faithfully with Him? We can sleep satisfied. No evil can truly touch us. Yes, it may temporarily affect our bodies, but it can do absolutely nothing to our souls, our eternal bodies, or our life with God. We are firmly in God’s hands, and nothing can pluck us out of them (John 10:28-29).
Do you want to sleep satisfied through the night? Do you want to be untouched by evil? Then get this eternal perspective of God and hold onto it in your heart. Comfort yourself with it. Believe it. Refute the lies of the world, the devil, and even your own flesh with it. Remember it. Remind yourself of it. The fear of the Lord leads to true life, because it leads you to God, His salvation, and His eternal love. Are you letting the fear of the Lord daily lead you to this life, satisfaction, and safety in Christ? It can—if you are getting to truly know Him more deeply as His Word describes. Do you know Him as your Lord and Savior? Turn to Him today. Get to know Him accurately and honestly. Look through the troubles and challenges of this life unto Christ. In Him and Him alone is true life, enduring satisfied peacefulness, and eternal protection from all evil.
Our next proverb deals with the problem that often keeps us from experiencing life and these realities in the full way that God intends.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, But will not even bring it back to his mouth.
The lazy man is too lazy to even do for himself what is necessary for life. He begins projects, but despite how important they are, does not complete them.
This proverb echoes Proverbs 19:15 at the very beginning of our chiasm.
Proverbs 19:15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle man will suffer hunger.
Our proverb now completes the chiasm by returning right where we began. In this picture, we will starve with the food right in front of us. But make no mistake. This word picture from these proverbs is not really just talking about food. Yes, of course, it does apply to the diligence needed to sow one’s crops so that one can reap the necessary food in the future, but it goes way beyond that to all of the issues in life which we have been talking about in our relationship to God and to people.
We can have all the wisdom and knowledge in the world right in front of us. We can have all the ability and opportunities that we need. We can have all the food and provisions that we need. We can have all that we need for life and godliness. We can even begin well and start using what we have in front of us. But if we do not finish, it will all come to nothing. If we are too lazy to use what we have been given or too lazy to apply what we know it will do us no good.
We can know about the importance of keeping the commandment to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and might in order to keep our soul. We can know that the fear of the Lord leads to life. We can know of the importance of graciousness, truth, and loving-kindness over money, selfishness, and lies. We can know of the necessity of giving discipline to others to teach important lessons. We can know of our personal need to listen to God’s discipline to have wisdom. We can know that God’s plans are right and best over our own ideas and plans. But if we do not live in these ways we will not benefit from all this wisdom. We will have it right in front of us, but despite what we know we will be too lazy to apply it to our lives. We will be too lazy to bring the food back to our mouths and eat it. We will be too lazy to go to Jesus and change. We will be too lazy to benefit from what is within our grasp.
All in all, Solomon ends this whole section of proverbs with this stark physical reminder that if we saw it in person would make us roll our eyes in disgust and frustration at the foolishness of a person starving when the food and all they need is right in front of them. Yet, how often do we do the same thing with even more important matters? Our eternal souls are at stake. Other people’s souls are at stake with our impact and influence on them. Are we ignoring the wisdom of God that is right in front of us in any of these areas? Are our relationships suffering because of it? When we live this way we are slowly destroying our lives by refusing God’s wisdom in favor of our laziness or foolishness.
Scriptural Example: In Scripture we see quite a number of examples of this happening. Israel did this with the wilderness wandering. They would not go up and take the land of Canaan even after God had miraculously rescued them from Pharaoh with the ten plagues and the Red Sea crossing. God had provided for their food and water in the desert with manna. Yet they would not trust Him to overcome the obstacles in conquering the land. Because of this, that whole generation lost their opportunity to have the promised land. (Numbers 13-14)
Even when Israel did enter the land to take possession of it, they did not complete the task. They were too lazy and did not completely wipe out the inhabitants. Instead, they ended up making covenants with the people, and did not tear down their idols and altars. They should have relentlessly obeyed God’s commands. Instead, they mixed God’s commands with what was convenient. Because of that the Canaanites ended up becoming a continual thorn in their side throughout the generations. (Judges 1:19-2:5)
Despite God’s direct command to king Saul, in the battle against the Amalekites he spared their king Agag and the best livestock. He was too lazy and greedy to follow through and do all that had been commanded. He buried his hand in the dish, but did not draw it back to his mouth. Because of that he lost the favor and blessing of God, as well as his kingdom. (1 Samuel 15)
In the New Testament, the rich young ruler wanted eternal life, but when he found out that the cost was everything in this life he abandoned it. He was too lazy to truly follow Jesus. He was willing to follow God if it did not cost too much. If it did not get in the way of his true idol and master he was willing to make some sacrifices and put in some work. But when Jesus revealed that salvation only comes through surrendering to Jesus and trusting Him for all of life, it was too much. He had the truth right there in front of him, but he was not willing to apply it, believe it, and follow Jesus. (Mark 10:17-22)
We see another example in the disciples who were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. They talked big, but did not follow through. They were told to watch and pray with Jesus. Instead, three times they fell asleep. They began okay, but did not complete the task given to them. In the end, they betrayed their confident assertions that they would stick to Jesus and defend Him until the end. Instead, they ended up fleeing when the guards came to arrest Him. In Peter’s case, he even denied knowing Jesus with oaths. Jesus had warned them of what was coming, but they did not watch and pray. They did not prepare as they needed to be able to fortify themselves for what was coming. They did not apply what they knew. (Matthew 26:36-46, 56, 69-75)
Demas also had this problem. He was a well known fellow minister with the apostle Paul. He is mentioned positively in Colossians 4:14 as if they all knew him by name. In Philemon 1:24 he is called a fellow worker of Paul alongside of Luke. He must have sat under so much teaching of Paul. He had the best teacher and guide. He must have known God’s Word very well himself to be called a fellow worker. Yet, the sad epitaph that Scripture gives on his life is that he forsook Paul and serving the Lord because he loved this present world (2 Timothy 4:10). Unlike with John Mark, there is no good ending recorded for us about Demas. He knew the truth. He knew the wisdom of God. But he stopped applying it. He got lazy. He got distracted. He got enamored with the things of this world. He got deceived by the fleeting pleasures of sin which promise much but ultimately bring destruction. He buried his hand in the dish…but would not bring it back to his mouth.
Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this proverb with the rest of Scripture 2 Timothy 4:1-8 stands out. Here we see Paul’s warning, challenge, and encouragement that he gave to Timothy right before this mention of Demas. Paul did not want what happened to Demas to happen to Timothy or others. He wanted Timothy, and us, to finish well.
2 Timothy 4:1-8 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Let us all be like the Apostle Paul and finish well. God’s reward is true and awaiting all those who love Him. Yes, it is hard to not be lazy. Yes, it is hard to apply the wisdom that we know day in and day out. Yes, there will be many obstacles. Many people will end up not wanting the truth. They will not want to hear it or live it. But it is truth nonetheless. It is worth dying and living for. It is truly what we all need for life. God’s Word is truly the wisdom that will guide us in all our relationships and in every area of life. Jesus is coming back and will fully deal with the brokenness, injustice, and evil that sin is causing. He will also reward those who love Him. And who are those people? They are the ones who do not give up, who finish well, who did not give in to spiritual laziness, and who walk in His wisdom day by day. Will you be among them?
As we strive to do so, we need to remember how to not grow weary in well doing, how to not give in to the laziness of our flesh, or the persecutions that we experience. Walk by faith. Look to Jesus. Consider Jesus like Hebrews 12:1-4 instructs.
Hebrews 12:1-4 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;
We have not died yet in enduring the hostility of sinners like Jesus did. We have not died yet in giving of ourselves to walk faithfully and serve like Jesus did. We have not died yet in striving against sin like Jesus did. Therefore, if we raise our eyes up off our circumstances to Jesus we can find in Him hope, strength, and ability to carry on. He persevered much further than we ever will need to, and He will help us. Will you look to Jesus? Will you keep looking to Jesus’ wisdom? Will you turn back to looking to Jesus when you have gotten distracted looking at the outrageous wind and waves whipping about you like Peter did when he was walking on the water? Will you see the joy of Jesus when He looked beyond His suffering to the salvation it would bring to us? Will you see the possibility within Jesus to have joy in your own trials because you too can see beyond them to eternity with Him in His perfect kingdom?
The only other option is for us to be like the sluggard. who began the project but is too worn out, too tired, too lazy, too overwhelmed, too shortsighted, too sad, too angry, too frustrated, too distracted to do what is needed and best. Day by day, moment by moment we need to ask ourselves which we will be. Will we look to Jesus and walk in His wisdom, or will we be the lazy sluggard who has his hand in the dish but is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth?
Truth in Connection: As we connect this to our lives, let’s close with a quote from Charles Bridges’ commentary on this verse.
How then shall we resist this deadly disease? … The want of an object [lack of purpose] makes an idler of a man of talent. Oh! then have this grand object ever in sight. “To me to live is Christ.” [Phil. 1:10] Be employed for God and for his Church. Form habits of early energy. Beware of a dreaming sentimentalism. Cultivate bodily activity. Regard the incursions of sloth as the effects of those poisons, which, while they cause sleep—unless counteracted by constant resistance—must prove fatal. Yet with all these means, never forget the one only principle, that makes them effectual—prayer, unceasing, believing—“looking unto Jesus”—who not only gives life, but liveliness. [Heb. 12:1-2] 1 (Bracketed italics personally added for clarification; regular brackets indicate an original footnote with that Scripture reference.)
May we walk in the wisdom that God has given to us for our relationships, and all of life. May we look to Jesus day in and day out. May we finish well in His wisdom.
Conclusion
If you have any questions on any of this or want help in coming to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior please come talk with us. We are available. Let’s pray.
© 2025, Kevin A. Dodge, All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB),Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org
1 Charles Bridges, Exposition of the book of Proverbs, 276.
English (US) · 