Proverbs 21.25-26
“The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.”
We have seen the “sluggard” before in our study of Proverbs. He wants, but doesn’t work. He has desire, but no discipline. He refuses to work. In the end, the lack of work ethic kills him.
Righteous people, on the other hand, have a strong work ethic, which makes them very productive. They are also generous. They produce enough to give to people who are in need, and they don’t hold back in their support.
This proverb doesn’t clarify if a sluggard should be the recipient of support from productive people. However, 2 Thessalonians 3.10 does clarify: “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”
Again, a repeated theme in Proverbs is that work ethic is a necessary characteristic for an effective life and a healthy society. Laziness and refusal to work is personally and socially destructive.
Proverbs 21.27
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.”
The Lord does not want the sacrifices and worship of people who reject his truth. Note the severity of the denunciation in this verse: the religious activity of the wicked is an “abomination” to the Lord. Lest there be any confusion about this, here is what the Lord proclaims through the prophet Amos. Keep in mind that this was addressed to the people of Israel:
“I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen.” (Amos 5.21.-23)
When it comes to worship, truth matters. So does the heart of the worshiper. Jesus made this clear to the woman at the well: “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4.24)
