PROVERBS | Part V | Working Wisdom
Created for Good Work. From the beginning humanity was created by God and placed in His creation for a purpose. We were to be fruitful and multiply (our sexuality) and we were to keep and cultivate the world into a beautiful, flourishing, and God glorifying society (our work). While sin can make our work into toil, our good purpose remains to be diligent.
Deep in Debt (6:1-5) – Both our words and our works can put us in debt with others. It can feel like chains keeping us from healthy relationship and hindering our financial stability. Regardless of if the debt incurred is relational or monetary the prescribed course of action is the same. Do not delay addressing the situation, lead with humility, ask for forgiveness, and be prepared to respond with urgent intentionally. Sin hurts and sin has consequences. We may be forgiven and still have real world consequences for our actions. Reconciliation may include restitution.
Get to Work (6:6-11) – While we can at times make work an idol and become work-a-holics, following hustle culture. However, we can also become idle in our work. Because work can be difficult and discouraging, it can be tempting to want to disengage and check out. Rhythms of rest and sabbath are essential and good, yet proverbs also address the sluggard who sinfully avoids their work and responsibilities. Rather than following the example of a diligent worker ant they fall into poverty.
Sowing Discord (6:12-19) - When we are not busy with work, we can become busy bodies who begin to create conflict with those around us. We are called to cultivate our relationships, not create chaotic conflict.
Repentance and Reliance (6:20-22) – In debt, idle, or in conflict maybe where we find ourselves, but it is not the life and purpose God has for us. Wisdom is there to help us turn from what is harmful towards wholeness. Wisdom guides us as a light as we walk the path and guards us as we rest.
Our work and how we steward our lives and money matter to God. We should work, spend, and live wisely while humbly acknowledging our work is not capable of saving us. We do not save ourselves, we plea to Christ for forgiveness knowing He is both merciful and gracious. Jesus paid our debt of sin on the cross, we are saved by His work. When we are heavy ladened Jesus calls us to be unburdened and receive His rest.
Questions:
What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about God or yourself? What did you learn about work, debt, or conflict?
What were you taught about money, finances, and work growing up? Where do you need wisdom or instruction?
Where do you struggle when it comes to work? Is it treating it as an idol or being idle? What work has God called you to in this season?
How have you experienced debt either spiritually, relationally, or monetarily? Where do you need to give or receive forgiveness? How does knowing we are forgiven in Christ help us forgive?
PRAY- Praise God the Father for creating us for good works. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us to live and walk out the purposes God has for us. Thank Jesus for His work in the cross in our place paying our debt of sin!