How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. (Proverbs 6:9-11)
Who is the sluggard? It’s a term we don’t use often today, but the Bible talks about this person a lot. The sluggard isn’t just a slothful person. They are someone who loves sleep and is almost addicted to getting as much rest and sleep as possible and, because of that, find themselves out of work constantly.
The message of this proverb is not hidden. It states that the one who is sleeping, slumbering, and refusing to wake up and get things done will desire success, but never see it come to them.
In fact, the Bible tells us the sluggard will experience lack. Many people blame their poverty on their race, background, or the opportunities they had in life, but the illustration in Proverbs says differently. It says poverty is like a gun toting traveler who will hold up the sluggard and take everything with impunity.
I cannot be lazy and lie around and sleep all day. God has called me to do too much for me to sit around or take my sweet time! You need to catch the same revelation. God has important things for you to do! Prosperity is often the result of a diligent, self-starting individual who wants to get things done more than he hungers for ease and sleep.
Sleep is a blessing; sleep is something God has given us, but an addiction to sleep and an unwillingness to get up, pray, get to work and get moving will destroy your life.
Practical Application
Are you willing to pay the price, to work diligently to see God’s will for your life completed? Decide to get up 10 to 15 minutes earlier than you usually do and add to your morning prayer time. Purpose to follow God, not an addiction to sleep.