Proverbs 22:13: The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!”
Insight
The sluggard is a coward. He has no love for his work, and therefore he is always ready to invent some flimsy excuse that will prevent him from doing his duty. He shrinks back from any work that is likely to involve him in any trouble. Imagined dangers frighten him from real and present duties. “There is a lion outside!” or, “I will be murdered in the streets!” What absurd excuses! We need courage from God. We must stand equipped with all of God’s armor. We all need this. Each day, each hour we need to seek this, whether we are in the front line of the battle or are the most ordinary soldier of the cross. 1
Application
These verses help us to understand the battle and the armor that God provides:
Ephesians 6:11,13: Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Have you failed to take up the “whole armor of God?” I have, and I lose every-time. Now open your bible and slowly read the following verses in Ephesians 6:10-20. It will teach us how to suit up for battle so we can experience the victories and eliminate the defeats. There is no other option if you want to live a courageous Christian life.
Motivation
The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 15:19
Courageous people see their Commander and not the intimidator. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please awaken my soul each day to put on Your armor before the day begins.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
