Proberbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
The book of Proverbs contains many practical instructions in everyday living, which when applied and practiced consistently, are of great benefit to individuals and to society. In the above passage of scripture is laid out for us one of the root causes of poverty, and it also teaches us one of the main cures. Dealing with a slack hand does not merely pertain to the wasting of money, but it also includes the unnecessary squandering of all resources God has lent to us as His stewards, some of which are time, talents, intellect, food, and energy.
One of the great curses that many people suffer from is that of impulse buying, without there being an actual need. Window shopping, when not strictly controlled can cause us to make purchases that were not even on our wish list, and the free use of credit cards have plunged many a person and family into serious financial difficulty. Prudence must be exercised in all the affairs of life, and self-control as an over-arching principle must be brought to bear in all of our transactions and purchases.
During the great recession it was discovered that many individuals and families had made no preparation for the "Rainy day" during the "Seven years of plenty" that proceeded the "Seven Lean years" from 2007 to 2014, and so the great recession caught many people off-guard, forcing them into great unnecessary distress. The word disciple is from the same root as discipline, and therefore the disciples of Christ should exercise sound judgment and restraint as we administer the temporal affairs of life.
When money is earned, especially in times of plenty, a percentage should be laid aside from every paycheck, not to be touched except in cases of real emergencies. This practice when carried out faithfully, not only develops the characteristic of prudence, but also ensures that in times of drought, one's needs can be met. However, good prudence must never be allowed to cancel benevolence for both elements are important to the building of a well balanced character.
Another way we often deal with a slack hand is on the issue of time which is wasted tremendously on things which do not profit, either spiritually or temporarily. Christians are required to often make a personal assessment of the way we are using our God-given resources, and upon close examination, it is found that many fritter away precious hours on things that make no sense. One of the main draws on precious time is that of television watching, which in many families goes on for hours on end, when the time could otherwise be employed in making the burdens of the home lighter, or by finding gainful employment.
TV and video games have made addicts out of many people who otherwise have great potential, and as a result their minds have become cramped, and they no longer think independently, because of the constant infusion of other people's thoughts, ideas, and standards. Not long ago a man driving a Porsche, ran his girlfriend off the road because she took away his video games, which were consuming so many precious hours of his time.
As Christians living in the 21st century, we must be aware that God is going to bring into judgment the way we utilized the blessings, resources and talents that were lent to us in this life, and thus it is incumbent upon us, to use in a judicious and productive manner, the gifts He has bestowed.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us of our God-given responsibilities, and it is our sincere prayer and hope that the instructions and cautions thus given, would be an incentive for us to order our lives in harmony with the great principles of righteousness in the temporal affairs of life. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
May this passage of scripture be an encouragement for us to move forward ever, backward never. "Good night" and God bless!